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We examine the nexus between financial inclusion and energy poverty. Analysing data for 27 energy-poor countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa region over 2004–2021, we employ sequential (two-stage), panel-corrected standard error (PCSE) and two-step dynamic system GMM (generalized method of moments) regression models, and control for endogeneity, CSD, slope heterogeneity as well as stationarity and cointegration patterns of the variables. Our empirical results show that financial inclusion significantly reduces energy poverty in the selected energy-poor countries. The study also finds a positive significant association between energy access and GDP per capita, while oil price and energy intensity are inversely associated with energy access. The results are robust to different control variables, estimation methods and subsamples. These findings have strong policy implications for energy-poor countries and point to the need for appropriate policies to promote financial inclusion for reducing energy poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing energy consumption in the construction sector is urgently needed. In Chile, where income distribution is unequal and the cost of energy is high, energy demand is seriously affected, especially in vulnerable households. Hence, it is essential to establish public policies with more realistic energy-saving goals to address this situation. However, reliably predicting the energy performance of buildings remains a challenge. For this reason, this study aims to identify and evaluate the impact of the variables associated with energy performance in vulnerable households in Central-Southern Chile and propose values that would reduce the gap. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to achieve this, adjusting the energy performance parameters in a base model with data analyzed using local standards. In addition, field information was collected in 93 households to obtain the actual energy consumption. The main results show that the variables that most impacted performance were infiltration, COP, heating setpoints, and schedules, which generated a 60% difference between the theoretical and actual consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With growing attention being paid to the problems of sustainable development and just transition, energy poverty emerges as a focal issue to be addressed by the Common Policy. However, the dynamics of this phenomenon across the EU still appear to be insufficiently recognised. Therefore, this study deals with the problem of energy poverty convergence and aims to test it for the 27 EU countries over the period 2010–2022. Contrary to limited studies of energy poverty convergence that use a simple indicator, it uses aggregate measures based on consensual consequential indicators of energy poverty to verify the hypothesis of convergence. Absolute and conditional beta convergence are considered. Potential determinants of energy poverty are incorporated into a model of conditional convergence. The analysis confirms the existence of beta convergence of energy poverty in the EU, indicating the progressing socio-economic cohesion of the member states. The results, thus, deliver some arguments supporting an integrative approach to the energy policy of the EU. The research reveals that, among the factors influencing EP dynamics, an important role may be attributed to technological catch-up and income distribution across a society. Sustainable development should thus be supported with energy modernisation efforts of an inclusive character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to assess household energy poverty in European Union (EU) countries, comparing them based on the Objective Energy Poverty Index and the Subjective Energy Poverty Index. The Objective Energy Poverty Index is derived from indicators such as energy expenditure share, risk-of-poverty rate, and electricity prices. The Subjective Energy Poverty Index includes indicators such as the inability to keep the home adequately warm, arrears on utility bills, and bad housing conditions. Both indices aggregate the indicators mentioned above using equal and non-equal weighting approaches. The analysis uses country-level data from 2019 to 2023 sourced from Eurostat. The findings indicate considerable variation in household energy poverty across the EU, with more pronounced inequalities in subjective indicators than objective ones. Additionally, the study reveals a weak correlation between the Objective Energy Poverty Index and the Subjective Energy Poverty Index, leading to differing country rankings based on these indices. However, the choice of weights in constructing the energy poverty indices does not significantly impact a country's energy poverty ranking. The paper also identifies countries where household energy poverty decreased in 2023 compared to 2019 and those where it increased. Regarding the Subjective Energy Poverty Index, Croatia and Hungary showed the most notable improvement in their rankings among European countries, while France, Germany, and Spain deteriorated their positions. According to the Objective Energy Poverty Index, Bulgaria, Croatia, Portugal, and Spain demonstrated the most significant improvement, whereas Greece experienced a considerable decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study delves into a critical concern on the relationship between energy poverty, digital and social development and inclusive growth. The main research hypothesis assumes a positive relationship between these areas, although differences between countries are inevitable. Therefore, the following research questions were asked: Is the impact of the level of energy poverty on inclusive growth the same in different EU countries? How does the use of renewable energy sources in individual countries affect energy poverty and thus inclusive growth? What is the link between energy poverty, digital and social development and inclusive growth in the countries studied. This study uses a critical analysis of the literature and methods of descriptive and mathematical–statistical tools/model. The main conclusions and findings of the analysis reveal that the link between energy poverty, use of renewable energy resources, digital and social development and inclusive growth varies across EU countries. The results of our analyses may be useful, for example, for government decision makers in terms of actions aimed at eliminating energy poverty through the country's use of sustainable energy sources as well as designing and implementing actions aimed at increasing digital and social development, which will then contribute to inclusive growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy efficiency is vital for energy transitions, and energy-poor, vulnerable, and hard-to-reach groups are at risk of being left behind. In this context, local middle actors have been suggested as partners in deploying targeted energy support. Nevertheless, scarce research has engaged with them to assess if they are willing and capable of contributing, if they can reach households, and if they have unmet needs. In this research, we draw on the mapping of 198 local organizations and 34 semi-structured interviews conducted after deploying a pilot energy support service in Setúbal, Portugal. Interviews characterized the organizations and target audiences, assessed energy literacy, explored potential collaborative roles, and recognized drivers, barriers, and solutions. Results show that most organizations are willing to disseminate activities, forward citizens, facilitate contacts, co-organize events, and participate in training. Half can identify vulnerable families for proactive support. Drivers include environmental concerns, community participation, and social support. However, few seem able to conduct energy support, hire/redirect staff, or participate in coordination. Scarce human resources, lack of time, other priorities, and financing concerns severely constrain local organizations. This case study finds some potential for local organizations to act as intermediaries in energy support, building on their communication channels and trusted relationships to fulfill specific roles. However, they are often hard-to-reach themselves and burdened with demanding activities. Thus, we suggest that fostering collaborations with local organizations is challenging but possible. It requires dedicated funding, time, and resources to empower, capacitate, and reward middle actors for their contributions in delivering energy support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a methodical attempt to understand the factors that influence energy consumption in households in the mountainous settlement of Metsovo, Greece. So far, most of the research on the settlement has indirectly approached the investigation of the factors that shape the energy behavior of households. In the present research, the identification of factors is directly approached through linear regression and clustering methods. Income, heating system, and household size were identified as the main factors influencing household energy expenditure. Since mountain areas are plagued by energy poverty, the study of household energy behavior inevitably highlights aspects of this phenomenon. By highlighting these factors and the spatial dimension of energy consumption (i.e., higher thermal energy needs in mountain areas), it was possible to suggest more targeted measures specifically designed for mountain areas, complementing the existing energy policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a metric to measure households' discomfort related to thermal consumption time (hereafter referred to as t-discomfort). This metric relies on an ideal thermal consumption and calculates the gap between the usage times of thermal devices in vulnerable households compared to the ideal household. The t-discomfort is quantified using thermal data collected from 1298 households in the Tokyo and Oita prefectures in Japan. To create the ideal usage times of thermal devices, households are categorized into three clusters—Vulnerable (Vu), Semi-vulnerable (SVu), and Invulnerable (IVu)—based on their energy poverty ratio, and t-discomfort is subsequently calculated for each group. The IVu households are used as the ideal reference point for measuring thermal device usage in the other two categories. The findings of the study indicate that energy poverty does not necessarily lead to t-discomfort. Interestingly, the consumption time of heating devices among Vu households in both prefectures is longer than that of IVu households, despite the high energy prices. Conversely, SVu households, which do not experience severe energy poverty, tend to sacrifice their comfort by reducing their thermal consumption time. Additionally, the consumption time of cooling devices among Vu households in Oita is longer than that of IVu households, whereas in Tokyo, it is shorter. Two treatment strategies are evaluated to mitigate thermal discomfort in households without compromising resource availability. The first strategy integrates the thermal device consumption time with Japan's current regulated time-of-use rates plan (daytime and nighttime). The results propose a three-tiered tariff plan (off-peak, mid-peak, and peak) to reduce the energy cost burden for Vu households. The second strategy recommends the installation of 12 rooftop solar panels for households in Tokyo and 11 panels for households in Oita. This strategy aims to maintain thermal comfort via a sustainable natural energy resource while minimizing energy costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the multidimensional aspects of energy poverty in Pakistan from 2000 to 2022, specifically evaluating the direct, indirect, and total effects of socioeconomic and environmental factors. We employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the impacts of income, population, governance quality, energy intensity, fuel prices, and renewable energy consumption on energy poverty. The study further contributes by examining the mediating role of governance quality and developing the World Governance Indicators (WGI) Index. The findings indicate significant negative effects of energy intensity and renewable energy consumption on energy poverty. Conversely, population growth and income levels demonstrate positive effects, contradicting conventional economic development and energy access assumptions. Governance quality establishes direct and indirect effects that mediate most relationships between independent variables and energy poverty. Bootstrapping analysis confirms the significance of governance quality as a mediator. The model describes significant energy poverty variance with robust predictive relevance. This study emphasizes the need to adopt a comprehensive strategy to decrease Pakistan's energy poverty by articulating socioeconomic, environmental, and governance factors. Our findings offer valuable information for policymakers to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal 7, embarking on governance reforms, promoting sustainable growth, and enforcing investments in energy efficiency and renewable sources as Pakistan approaches the 2030 SDG 7 deadline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Member countries of the United Nations have pledged to ensure access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all by 2030 (Sustainable Development Goal 7). However, energy poverty continues to be a significant challenge for billions of people. Empirical research established a connection between energy poverty and traditional public health indicators such as overall mortality rate, but relatively little is known about its holistic impact on public health and in particular on health vulnerability. This research establishes a holistic measure of public health using panel data from 143 countries between 2000 and 2016 to analyze the impact of energy poverty on health vulnerability. Using Ordinary Least‐Squares (OLS), fixed effects, system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM), and quantile regression approaches, our results show that reducing energy poverty mitigates health vulnerability. Energy poverty amplifies the susceptibility to negative health outcomes (sensitivity) and diminishes a population's capacity to respond to public health crises (resilience). The analysis also reveals a heterogeneous impact of energy poverty on health vulnerability associated with the socio‐economic development level of the region, with the largest increase being in more developed and high‐income regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns regarding current energy patterns are increasing over the period. The debate over the converging or diverging impact on energy transition for SDGs-2030 needs comprehensive empirical analysis. This study attempted to fill this research gap by considering a dataset of 82 economies of selected income levels (Low-Middle-Income & High-income countries) between 2000 and 2019. This study initiated two-stage analyses; TOPSIS is a very useful technique to rank countries as per their current level of lack in the sustainable energy transition. In this view, outcomes indicate that the overall world is converging regarding the sustainable energy gap, especially in high-income economies. However, fluctuations have been observed in low-middle-income economies. Secondly, this study empirically analyzes this lacking position in this transition on economic development. In this way, the study applied the panel's two-step system Generalized Methods of Moment (System GMM) techniques to find the regression relation between sustainable energy transition and economic development. The regression outcomes confirm the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory regarding sustainable energy transitions and economic development. In addition, the panel quantile regression technique has been used to verify the earlier results of the model. Based on the empirical outcomes, this study suggested that low-middle-income economies need more effort to achieve sustainable energy convergence. In contrast, high-income economies need to be more consistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pursuit of climate neutrality requires global systemic actions involving the use of solutions aimed at reducing emissions. Changes must be introduced in all sectors affecting climate change, namely power engineering and district heating, construction, transport, and industry, as well as agriculture and forestry. Analyzing the structure of final energy consumption in the EU by sector, it can be stated that households account for 27% of the total energy consumption. Comprehensive actions are needed to increase the energy efficiency of buildings. The aim of this paper was to indicate aspects of improving energy efficiency in buildings and their equipment, taking into account the striving for climate neutrality. Analyzed possibilities and conditions of using various solutions of energy-efficient systems aimed at increasing energy resilience and security and preventing environmental degradation. Particular attention was paid to construction and material solutions, as well as installation solutions, which increased the accumulation and energy efficiency of the building. These activities are closely related to the conditions and dynamics of the heat exchange process in the applied solutions and are also related to the factors influencing thermal comfort and energy consumption in buildings. Due to the growing popularity of modern information technologies and artificial intelligence in energy management in recent years, this article reviews the latest research in this area. One of the directions of future research indicated by scientists is autonomous building control in real time, adapting to the momentary needs of users. The analysis of the possibilities of using modern energy efficiency solutions in buildings conducted in this work may be useful for optimizing heat and energy management models and models of society's consumption as an element of energy transformation towards climate neutrality and counteracting the deepening of energy poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many of the energy systems functioning across the developing world are poorly designed and largely inadequate to meet a country's commercial and domestic energy needs. This is especially so in Latin America, where poverty trends have been exacerbated by limited access to energy, which could be used towards supporting industrial and small-scale commercial activities. This has characterised the widespread trend of energy poverty. This phenomenon poses a major barrier towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing climate change, since lack of access to reliable energy generation systems hinders the development of economic activities and limits the comfort of living conditions. This paper reports on a study aimed at catering to a better understanding of the challenges related to energy poverty in Latin America and identifying some of the tools that may be deployed to address them. The methodological procedures used were bibliometric analysis and survey. The main findings of this research evidence that reducing energy poverty in Latin American countries is crucial to alleviating household costs since a considerable part of family income is used to pay the energy needs. Less use of coal, greater access to electricity—including those from renewable generation—as well as the use of technologies and programs subsidized by governments would significantly contribute to increasing the Latin American citizens' quality of life and achieving the SDGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Environmental pollution and energy poverty have always been serious challenges for the global energy system. Results: Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2005 to 2020, this paper uses FE and sys-GMM models to explore the impact of environmental regulations and climate change on energy poverty. The results show that climate change increases energy poverty, with rising energy for cooling in hot summers, and unchanged income in the short term. Moreover, environmental regulation plays a moderating role between climate change and energy poverty. Specifically, economical environmental regulation has a negative moderating effect, while legal and supervised environmental regulations have positive moderating effects. Finally, the national basic energy poverty line used is lower than that in the eastern region, higher than that in the western region, and close to that in the central region, which reflects the heterogeneity of energy poverty in different regions of China. Conclusions: The findings in this paper clarify the nexus between climate change, environmental regulation, and energy poverty, addressing in this way a gap in existing research, which has great significance for environmental and energy policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using data from 14 Latin American countries over the period 2000–2019, this study examines the influence of education and financial development on energy poverty reduction. Evidence from different estimation approaches, such as dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS), fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), and canonical correlation regression (CCR), showed that education substantially decreases energy poverty reduction in Latin America. The results also indicated that the nexus between financial development and energy poverty reduction is positively and significantly associated. Conversely, the linkage between education, financial development, and energy poverty reduction considerably varies among Latin American countries. We suggest that policies stimulating financial development and education will be pivotal in addressing energy poverty reduction in Latin America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assurance of universal access to electricity refers to not only physical access to electricity, heating, and/or cooling services but also making them affordable to families. This is the case in Brazil, where physical electricity access reaches more than 99% of the urban population, but a high proportion of households are disconnected due to lack of payment. Affordability is a key factor in planning the expansion and maintenance of the electricity grid. In this paper, therefore, we propose the development of a strategy, called the Payment Capability Indicator (PCI), that provides new information about the relationship between energy cost and family income. The classic indicator, the Ten Percent Rule (TPR), was the base, and empirical research was conducted in two low-income neighborhoods in Paraná state, southern Brazil. The results consider variables that add new information to guide local public policies, combining interventions to improve affordability, energy efficiency, alternatives to energy services and consumer behavioral changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy poverty has been a major concern for sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Government efforts predominantly focus on expanding national grid networks to address energy needs. Less attention has been given to alternative forms of co-provision of cooking and lighting energy, although they are critical elements of urban energy governance. Using the analytical concept of socio-technical heterogeneity, this study draws insights from empirical data in Accra to understand everyday energy configurations used by urban dwellers outside the formal state-led infrastructures. It was found that, for electricity, households adopt heterogeneous configurations, including electricity theft, meter sharing, illegal expansion of the grid, self-help solar PV, use of small diesel generators, back-up power appliances, and service phone charging vendors. In terms of cooking energy, households adopt fuel switching, use of multiple cooking stoves, and use of improved cooking stoves. These co-provisions reflect a governance failure and, at the same time, fill critical provision gaps. Heterogeneous configurations also come with socioeconomic and environmental externalities. The findings suggest a need for decentralisation and integration of context-specific, place-based and situated forms of co-provision or heterogeneous configuration into urban energy planning and governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy poverty, i.e., inefficient heating and insufficient access to energy services, can turn a shelter into a health hazard. We find that substandard housing and ineffective heating is associated with a higher risk of poor health in an urban context. We surveyed people living in two middle-sized cities in a coal-dependent region of Poland and used objective and subjective indicators of energy poverty and self-assessed health status. We demonstrate that people who live in substandard housing are more likely to exhibit poor musculoskeletal and cardiovascular outcomes, by 10 and 6 pp, respectively than otherwise similar people living in suitable housing conditions. We show that energy-poor people who use coal or a wood stove have a 24 pp higher likelihood of respiratory disease than the energy-poor who live in flats connected to district heating. We also find that a significant amount of the explained variance in the probability of respiratory disease is attributable to energy poverty. To improve the housing conditions and reduce the risk of poor health outcomes, we recommend two policy instruments: 1) a full subsidy for thermal retrofits and connecting multi-family buildings to the district heating network and 2) a targeted energy voucher for clean heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine the impact of energy poverty on the aggregate and disaggregate material footprint components such as biomass, fossil fuel, metal ores and non-metallic minerals while considering the economic growth and tourism development during 2000–2014 for the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). By applying econometric tools, the study confirms a positive and significant impact of energy poverty on aggregate material footprint and its components. The same finding has been reached for tourism development. Moreover, this study finds a U-shaped Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) for all indicators used for material footprints. Based on the findings, this study proposes a set of policies for energy poverty alleviation to attain a sustainable environment and inclusive economic growth in the BRICS region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impact of digital financial inclusion (DFI) on household energy poverty. We develop a simple theoretical model to explain the energy poverty alleviation effect of DFI. Using multidimensional household energy consumption survey data, we find that DFI reduces the incidence of household energy poverty by about 33.5 % and the intensity of energy poverty by 24.6 %, driven mainly by improvements in energy efficiency and an increase in household off-farm work, resulting in a stronger role in rural and low-income groups. However, the threshold model demonstrates that the Internet and digital tools are a prerequisite for this pro-poor energy effect to be realized. Notably, DFI, while exhibiting spatial spillover effects, exacerbate energy poverty in neighboring areas due to the siphoning effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses energy poverty, a situation where households are unable to afford the minimum energy services required to meet their basic needs, a problem with profound implications for the well-being of vulnerable populations. To identify the most affected areas, a geospatial analysis of energy poverty distribution in the Valencian Community (Spain) was conducted using a correlation study between the global vulnerability index and the energy poverty index, calculated from residential energy certificates. The results highlight areas of significant social, economic, demographic, and residential vulnerability, as well as regions with very high or very low energy consumption. Specifically, regions with high energy poverty and vulnerability indices were identified, enabling targeted interventions. The study concludes that interventions in these identified areas are essential to mitigate the adverse effects of energy poverty and improve living conditions for affected populations. This research offers a novel methodology for mapping regional energy poverty, surpassing previous studies in precision for identifying and addressing vulnerable areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enormous ensembles of energy resources have elevated Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) to a prominent position in the world energy scene as a leading region in forming a sustainable energy future. However, over half of the population in the region lives without electricity and less than 20% of the population has access to clean fuels. The excessive reliance on fossil fuels such as coal, kerosene, and solid biomass has implications for environmental outcomes in SSA. Nevertheless, the environmental impact of energy poverty from the SSA perspective remains an under‐explored terrain in the research landscape. In this context, to address the pressing challenges of energy poverty and environmental sustainability, this study aims to explore the threat energy poverty poses on the ecological footprints, focusing on “land‐use, carbon footprint, forestry resources, and fishing ground” across 35 SSA countries using disaggregated data covering the period 2000 and 2021. This study employs the novel Method of the Moments Quantile Regression following the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology model as the reference theoretical and analytical framework. The findings disclose heterogeneous effects of rural and urban energy poverty on ecological footprint items. When comparing the magnitudes, we found that rural energy poverty has a more detrimental impact on land‐use than urban energy poverty. Energy poverty is found to have no reliable power to explain the variation in carbon footprint and fishing ground. In the meantime, urban energy poverty exerts a positive effect on forestry resource sustainability. Surprisingly, population density is found to have a significant and desirable impact on land‐use. Based on the obtained results, numerous policy suggestions have been discussed along with some prospects for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy and mobility poverty are often experienced together by vulnerable and disadvantaged segments of society. Effectively addressing these issues requires identifying specific groups within unique contexts and devising context-specific interventions. Based on extensive original research, this study uncovers the energy, mobility and broader socio-economic challenges faced by working class citizens housed in Abu Dhabi's labour camps and how these challenges ultimately impact their quality of life and health. Our investigation focuses on the themes of marginalisation and spatial justice to show how labour camp residents often feel excluded from society and isolate themselves from the city and its activities. In exploring the subject of poverty and vulnerability, we show how low-income and living conditions are intertwined with energy and mobility poverty and, hence, the need for holistic solutions. To remediate these circumstances, we provide a set of policy recommendations, including increased monitoring of labour camp developers to ensure compliance with UAE regulations, guaranteeing that labour camps are part of urban planning and implementing safe soft mobility options so mobility can be achieved without requiring a personal vehicle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy poverty (EP) is a crucial socio-economic problem in current society, as it deprives people of a basic standard of living and quality of life. In general, EP is linked to various factors, but it is primarily associated with high energy costs, low household income, and inefficient building structures. Due to the recent energy crisis in Europe, the importance of these factors has escalated. Bearing in mind the above remarks, the REVERTER EU-funded LIFE project will develop and test nine roadmaps in four European countries (Brezovo—Bulgaria; Athens Urban area—Greece; Riga—Latvia; and Coimbra—Portugal) to alleviate EP by addressing the poor energy efficiency of dwellings. To directly observe real-life scenarios in designated pilot regions, questionnaire surveys were conducted, involving approximately 300 households in each pilot area. This paper presents and evaluates the outcomes of the survey conducted in the central region of Portugal. The findings allow for a deeper comprehension of the factors that impact energy poverty in Portugal, spanning socio-economic aspects, housing characteristics, mechanical systems, energy expenses, and behaviors, as well as the awareness of available support initiatives. Drawing from the survey's insights, novel strategies are suggested to alleviate energy poverty, with a primary emphasis on crafting tailored, efficient policies that address the genuine requirements of households and individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing amplification of climate change necessitates the exploration and implementation of effective strategies to mitigate ecological issues while simultaneously preserving economic and social well-being. Renewable power systems offer a way to reduce adverse anthropogenic effects without hindering economic growth. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of renewable power systems to explore their historical context, identify influential studies, and uncover research gaps, hypothesizing that global contributions and policy support significantly influence the field's dynamics. Following Preferred Reporting Items For Systematic Reviews And Meta-Analyses guidelines, this study utilized Scopus tools analysis and VOSviewer 1.6.20 software to examine the metadata sourced from scientific databases in Scopus. The outcomes of this investigation facilitate the identification of the most prolific countries and authors, as well as collaborative efforts that enrich the theoretical landscape of renewable power systems. The study also traces the evolution of research on renewable power systems. Furthermore, the results reveal key scientific clusters in the analysis: the first cluster concentrates on renewable energy and sustainable development, the second on the relationship between government policies and renewable power systems, and the third on the role of incentives that catalyse the advancement of renewable power systems. The findings of this meta-analysis not only contribute valuable insights to existing research but also enable the identification of emerging research areas related to renewable power system development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the required adjustments made by the European Union (EU) to adequately absorb the negative social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU is once again confronting a crisis. The extended fiscal instability and environmental imbalance resulting from the energy crisis, primarily caused by rising energy prices owing to geopolitical upheavals (the Russian invasion in Ukraine), have been compounded by rising inflation. The main research objective of this paper is the analysis and evaluation of the effects of the current energy crisis on the Greek economy through the perspective of energy poverty, energy dependence, and climate change. Greece has been negatively impacted by the significant rise in energy costs. In 2022, the percentage of the general population that faced difficulties in paying energy bills exceeded the European average, reaching the level of 34.1%, while almost 19% of the population could not keep their homes sufficiently warm. Additionally, in 2022, Greece was one of the countries most energy-dependent on Russia. Greece achieved most of its targets regarding climate change, with the most representative example being the reduction of GHG emissions by 42% from 2000 to 2022. However, this reduction did not come from the successful green transformation of the Greek economy, but instead was due to the reduction in overall energy consumption that came from the prolonged economic crisis, combined with the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the majority of Greek buildings are still not considered to be energy efficient, while the transportation industry continues to rely heavily on oil, coal, and natural gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing energy poverty is integral to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, and clean energy technology serves as an essential tool in mitigating this issue. Existing studies pay less attention to the correlation between the two. In this study, we quantify the spread of clean energy technology using patent citation information and analyze balanced panel data from 30 provinces in China spanning the years 2004 to 2019. The findings reveal that the diffusion of clean energy technology not only directly reduces energy poverty but also indirectly alleviates it by enhancing energy efficiency and fostering employment. However, the positive impact of technology on poverty is affected by human capital. Specifically, when the number of college students per 10,000 people in a province surpasses 179, technology diffusion becomes effective in alleviating energy poverty. Furthermore, the efficacy of this mitigation varies significantly based on different regions. Technologies originating from developed economies such as the United States, Japan, and the European Union exhibit a more substantial impact than domestic alternatives. Additionally, the effect of alleviating energy poverty is more significant in the eastern region. Therefore, we make policy recommendations for alleviating energy poverty through the use of incentive policies, exploring differentiated models of clean energy technology development, and strengthening international cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor people in a developing country like India face energy poverty and are deprived of clean cooking fuel. Clean cooking fuels are costlier and require more willingness to pay (WTP) from the consumer. Therefore, this is a descriptive study aims to analyze factors associated with differences in cooking fuel expenses at the household level in Uttar Pradesh, India. For this purpose, panel data from the Consumer Pyramids Household Survey of CMIE from 2014 to 2019 has been considered. The study uses fixed-effect panel data model to control individual-specific effects. Cooking fuel expenses show positive elasticity concerning per capita income. However, this elasticity is lower for the higher-income group than the bottom-income group. Less educational attainments of households are associated with lower spending on cooking fuel. Moreover, households with better access to electricity are willing to spend more on cooking fuel expenditure. Hence, improved access to electricity nudges households towards more WTP for cooking fuel. It is further confirmed by finding a positive association between electricity-using household appliances and cooking fuel expenses. Therefore, improved access to electricity may increase the WTP for cooking fuel and adopt clean cooking fuel in different ways. This suggests positive spillover effects of modern energy services on clean cooking fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A transition to clean fuels and technology for cooking is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of sustainable development. However, sufficient, appropriate, affordable finance to support the transition is lacking. Grounded in primary data collection via expert interviews, this study's research objective was to critically assess development finance institutions' (DFIs) delivery of climate and development finance to address cooking poverty. Interview findings underscore DFIs' important role in the transition, including to create the ecosystem conditions conducive to sustained investment. However, as a group they are not demonstrating the risk appetite and financial solutions that clean cooking markets need. Nor are they operating with the agility and flexibility required for rapid scale-up. Consequently, DFIs are not optimally fulfilling their mandates to create additionality and mobilise private capital in these markets. Interviewees call for DFIs to reconsider their approach, and we rely on these findings to posit a theory of change for clean cooking finance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to the current housing crisis in Greece and to offer a critical assessment of existing interventions on social policy. It focuses on the way in which the multiple crises over the past 15 years and their management have exacerbated social inequalities. Housing represents an illustrative case study. In terms of housing resources, a systematic process of reverse redistribution is attempted, from the lower and middle social classes towards higher ones, by the Greek governments. The framework for managing the existing challenges of housing precariousness, such as rising rents, non-performing loans, foreclosure auctions, energy poverty phenomena, and the privatization of the energy market, as well as the resulting landscapes of humanitarian crisis (homelessness and refugee management), all lead to a deterioration of housing conditions. This phenomenon is inherently connected with the values underlying neoliberal social policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the association between household energy poverty (EP) and trajectories of emotional and behavioural difficulties during childhood. Methods: The Growing up in Ireland study is two nationally representative prospective cohorts of children. The Infant Cohort (n = 11,134) were recruited at age 9 months (9 m) and followed up at 3, 5, 7 and 9 years (y). The Child Cohort (n = 8,538) were recruited at age 9 y and followed up at 13 y and 17/18 y. EP was a composite of two relative measures of EP. Emotional and behavioural difficulties were repeatedly measured using the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ). Linear spline multilevel models were used, adjusted for confounders to examine the association between (1) EP (9 m or 3 y) and trajectories of emotional and behavioural difficulties from 3 to 9 y in the Infant Cohort and (2) EP at 9 y and the same trajectories from 9 to 18 y in the Child Cohort. Results: In adjusted analyses, EP at 9 m or 3 y of age was associated with higher total difficulties score at 3 y (0.66, 95% CI 0.41, 0.91) and 5 y (0.77, 95% CI 0.48, 1.05) but not at 7 y or 9 y. EP at 9 y was associated with higher total difficulties score at 9 y (1.73, 95% CI 1.28, 2.18), with this difference reducing over time leading to 0.68 (95% CI 0.19, 1.17) at 17/18 y. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates a potential association between early life EP and emotional and behavioural difficulties that may be transient and attenuate over time during childhood. Further studies are required to replicate these findings and to better understand if these associations are causal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the energy transition policy that came into force in Spain in 2019, it is necessary for households progressively to substitute dirty energy heating sources with clean ones. This means replacing energy heating carriers that use carbon energy sources with others that use electricity, that is the cleaner energy source, specifically in Spain where electricity mainly comes from renewable sources. This replacement must be based on the use of modern and efficient electric heating appliances. This can involve a substantial economic effort for certain households, that are already vulnerable. This paper proposes a multinomial model to determine which variables explain households’ energy heating sources use and applies this model to microdata, from the Spanish Household Budget Survey, for 2016-2019. Results show that it is likely that energy-poor households use gasoil or coal and electricity for heating. It is also more probable that households living in rural areas and older buildings use these sources. Households renting their dwelling and living in warm regions are more likely to use electricity, whereas those living in cold regions, urban areas, with woman heads are more likely to use gas. Households owning the dwelling, with older heads and residing in larger houses are more likely to use gasoil or solid fuels. From these results, implications are derived to inform public policy regarding just energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heatwaves, which are escalating in frequency, duration and intensity, have prompted governments worldwide to issue vital health warnings to protect populations. These include urging individuals to stay cool, hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure and minimise strenuous activities. Regrettably, a significant segment of the population faces substantial challenges in accessing these crucial recommendations due to a range of issues termed "systemic cooling poverty". Systemic cooling poverty encompasses intricate layers of physical, social and intangible infrastructural deficiencies, impeding the provision of essential services necessary to ensure thermal safety during extreme heat episodes. Through an intersectional mixed-method examination, this study brings empirical evidence of the structural factors that exacerbate inequalities in attaining thermal safety among the African–Brazilian community, LGBTQI+ and disabled, living in two favelas in Rio de Janeiro. By shedding light on these lived experiences of cooling poverty, we contribute to the understanding of targeted interventions and policy measures that can alleviate the impacts of extreme heat and safeguard public health and well-being as temperatures rise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy poverty is a major obstacle to many countries' social, environmental, and economic development, especially developing ones. Providing universal access to clean energy has garnered global attention, and international organizations have committed to improving access to energy. The existing literature on the drivers of energy poverty does not consider the potential role of economic complexity. This study attempts to fill this gap by analyzing, probably for the first time, the effects of economic complexity on energy poverty in 55 developing countries over the period from 2000 to 2019. To limit potential endogeneity issues, we used the two-stage instrumental variable (IV-2SLS) approach and instrumented a country's economic complexity level in a given year with the average of the economic complexity index of three countries with the most similar specialization patterns with the given country, but that did not share a land or maritime frontier with the given country. The findings of this study, resilient to different specifications, reveal that countries that produce and export a diverse range of sophisticated products, on average, enjoy lower levels of energy poverty. Furthermore, we identify human capital, income, and income inequality to be some transmission pathways via which economic complexity can alleviate energy poverty. As a result, economic strategies aimed at diversifying production capacities and export packages should be one of developing nations' top priority in order to meet SDG 7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with lower incomes often live in homes with poor thermal properties, making it difficult for them to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. This vulnerability is closely related to the quality and maintenance of housing, which negatively affects indoor environmental comfort, especially in terms of energy usage, having an impact on health and well-being. Studying energy poverty from a qualitative perspective allows us to delve deeper into the experience of these people. A qualitative study was carried out through a case study of women in a situation of household vulnerability and energy poverty. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five women-led households and two key informants before and after the COVID-19 confinement, in one of the most vulnerable neighbourhoods of Madrid. Unveiling the complexity of this topic, three categories were identified: household composition and economic resources, perception and proposals for household improvements, and household health and well-being. Furthermore, the results suggest that reliance on inefficient solutions such as electric radiators or butane-cylinder heaters for space heating in winter (more affordable in the short term, but unsustainable in the long one) shows evidence of energy precariousness, which, together with other poor housing conditions and users' behaviours, impact clearly on health, generating or worsening chronic diseases. Research in vulnerable populations requires interventions beyond visibility, supported by key informants. Social workers and educators are essential to improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable people; however, they need social policies and adequate intervention plans and strategies to support and make their efforts effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Many of the energy systems functioning across the developing world are poorly designed and largely inadequate to meet a country's commercial and domestic energy needs. This is especially so in Latin America, where poverty trends have been exacerbated by limited access to energy, which could be used towards supporting industrial and small-scale commercial activities. This has characterised the widespread trend of energy poverty. This phenomenon poses a major barrier towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing climate change, since lack of access to reliable energy generation systems hinders the development of economic activities and limits the comfort of living conditions. This paper reports on a study aimed at catering to a better understanding of the challenges related to energy poverty in Latin America and identifying some of the tools that may be deployed to address them. The methodological procedures used were bibliometric analysis and survey. The main findings of this research evidence that reducing energy poverty in Latin American countries is crucial to alleviating household costs since a considerable part of family income is used to pay the energy needs. Less use of coal, greater access to electricity—including those from renewable generation—as well as the use of technologies and programs subsidized by governments would significantly contribute to increasing the Latin American citizens' quality of life and achieving the SDGs.

Abstract Background Environmental pollution and energy poverty have always been serious challenges for the global energy system. Results Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2005 to 2020, this paper uses FE and sys-GMM models to explore the impact of environmental regulations and climate change on energy poverty. The results show that climate change increases energy poverty, with rising energy for cooling in hot summers, and unchanged income in the short term. Moreover, environmental regulation plays a moderating role between climate change and energy poverty. Specifically, economical environmental regulation has a negative moderating effect, while legal and supervised environmental regulations have positive moderating effects. Finally, the national basic energy poverty line used is lower than that in the eastern region, higher than that in the western region, and close to that in the central region, which reflects the heterogeneity of energy poverty in different regions of China. Conclusions The findings in this paper clarify the nexus between climate change, environmental regulation, and energy poverty, addressing in this way a gap in existing research, which has great significance for environmental and energy policy makers.

Purpose – Within the framework of EU policies and measures to develop a just and fair green energy transition model. This paper aims to offer valuable insights into a paramount concern not so well debated in the literature, i.e. the spatial variation of energy poverty. Design/methodology/approach – This empirical analysis investigates the regional variation of energy poverty we draw on a sample of more than 300,000 Spanish households, extracted from the Spanish Household Budget Survey (HBS) for the period 2006–2022. To characterize the probability of a household finding itself in a situation of energy poverty the authors use a discrete choice univariate probit model. Findings – The results confirm that energy poverty is a phenomenon that is asymmetrically distributed across Spain, and mainly occurs in un-densely populated regions. In addition, the findings demonstrate that the incidence of energy poverty drivers is highly heterogeneous across regions. Research limitations/implications – The paper ends with some recommendations for policymakers suggesting that countries need to design an energy poverty policy for the households that jointly pursue both a correct identification of vulnerable groups and a match with the type of measure to the characteristics of each region. Originality/value – This study enhances previous research by considering the case of areas at a lower level of aggregation (i.e. on the NUTS two regions in Spain called autonomous communities) and offers the opportunity to tailor policies to those regions most in need. Furthermore, to provide a more realistic picture of the complex phenomenon of energy poverty, the authors use the information for the period 2006–2022 differentiating by economic micro-cycle. This timespan allows the authors to understand the dynamics of energy poverty in periods of economic crisis, including the effects of the 2008 crisis and the present global energy crisis.

Abstract Poor people in a developing country like India face energy poverty and are deprived of clean cooking fuel. Clean cooking fuels are costlier and require more willingness to pay (WTP) from the consumer. Therefore, this is a descriptive study aims to analyze factors associated with differences in cooking fuel expenses at the household level in Uttar Pradesh, India. For this purpose, panel data from the Consumer Pyramids Household Survey of CMIE from 2014 to 2019 has been considered. The study uses fixed-effect panel data model to control individual-specific effects. Cooking fuel expenses show positive elasticity concerning per capita income. However, this elasticity is lower for the higher-income group than the bottom-income group. Less educational attainments of households are associated with lower spending on cooking fuel. Moreover, households with better access to electricity are willing to spend more on cooking fuel expenditure. Hence, improved access to electricity nudges households towards more WTP for cooking fuel. It is further confirmed by finding a positive association between electricity-using household appliances and cooking fuel expenses. Therefore, improved access to electricity may increase the WTP for cooking fuel and adopt clean cooking fuel in different ways. This suggests positive spillover effects of modern energy services on clean cooking fuel.

Energy poverty is an endemic phenomenon affecting millions of households around the world. An abundant literature, employing various single or combined methods, is dedicated to understanding its causes, symptoms, and the lived experiences of these households. This article explores the challenges raised when implementing qualitative research on energy poor households. We analyse a set of 33 research outputs - academic papers and reports - to identify methodological challenges raised by researchers and their possible resolves. By discussing the difficulties related to the operationalization of the concept of energy poverty, those linked to identifying and engaging energy poor households in research, or to the complex nature of their vulnerabilities, the study aims to develop a grounded theory articulated on the narrative of the findings and provide guidance for future qualitative work on energy poverty performed by researchers and stakeholders involved in alleviating it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays energy accessibility and affordability are global concerns. Energy poverty and its effects on households have been increasingly discussed in the public debate, as well as addressed by energy and social policies. Nevertheless, measures to tackle energy poverty at urban scale remain fragmented, and they are far to be fully embedded into urban planning tools. This paper explores a new methodological approach to investigate vulnerability related to energy poverty. It is based on the identification of three main thematic areas of vulnerability (i.e., socioeconomic, energy, climate). For each of these components, a synthetic vulnerability sub-index has been developed, which has allowed the identification of an overall energy poverty vulnerability index, able to detect different levels of energy poverty vulnerability at urban scale. This approach, combined with a thorough urban analysis, has been applied to the city of Bologna and it has allowed the identification of urban regeneration strategies for each investigated urban area, targeted to the energy poverty-related vulnerabilities detected. The results are intended to provide evidence on how to improve the urban planning tools, to support policy makers to better address energy poverty in cities.

Abstract Background One of the potential dimensions on which exclusion and injustice may occur in energy transitions is age. Age-based patterns of exclusion—ageism—has recently been conceptualized in the context of decarbonization as energy ageism. This paper offers a comparative empirical analysis of the senior citizens’ outlook towards an imminent energy transition as well as the impact of energy poverty in two European countries: Norway and Poland. Results Drawing on interviews and focus groups with Polish and Norwegian seniors, we present the differences and similarities between the two countries, and the determinants of energy ageism, as well as the concept’s overall applicability and empirical usefulness. We find that socioeconomic conditions outweigh ageism, that is, the resilience of senior citizens in dealing with energy poverty during a transition is conditioned by their material standing and welfare state robustness rather than age based. An important factor is household heating technology, combined with economic vulnerability can push some individuals into energy poverty, while others using alternative sources of heat can navigate through energy crises unscathed. Conclusions We note the importance of mainstreaming social inclusion considerations in energy policy and of targeted digital competence building which can enhance senior citizen integration in the energy transition. Lower levels of digital competences among senior citizens certainly play a role and need to be addressed with education programs to increase participation. In both countries, household heating is a major issue and heating sources are strong predictors of energy poverty and regulatory measures and subsidies should be designed at national, regional, and municipal level to assist vulnerable groups in this area.

[Objective] Exploring the impact of household income on household energy consumption and energy poverty from the perspective of mental account can provide a theoretical basis for solving the contradiction between the increase of household income and the coexistence of low energy consumption level and high energy poverty in China. [Methods] Based on the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data from 2016 to 2018, this study measured the energy poverty in China, and then explored the impact of household income on household energy consumption and energy poverty from the perspective of mental account. [Results] (1) At present, China’s energy poverty is relatively serious. An increase in household income can promote household energy consumption and reduce energy poverty. (2) There is a mental account effect in Chinese households, and energy consumption and energy poverty are mainly affected by the wage income account and business income account. (3) The results of the mechanism analysis show that the wage income account and the business income account can promote the household energy consumption and reduce the incidence of energy poverty by increasing the willingness of household energy consumption and willingness of improving household energy facilities. (4) The results of heterogeneity analysis show that for households with higher energy consumption threshold, lower household income, and being in the eastern region, the mental account of income has a more significant impact on their energy consumption and energy poverty. [Conclusion] Therefore, for the current phenomenon of low energy consumption and high energy poverty in China, we should pay attention to the difference in household income sources, focus on increasing the wage and business income of households, further reduce the cost of household energy consumption, and increase the willingness of household energy consumption.

Using the 2012–2018 waves of the China Family Panel Studies, we investigate the impact of energy poverty (EP) on health care expenditures among Chinese adults aged 18+. Employing a methodology combining a random effects two-part model and instrumental variable estimations, we show that EP leads to higher levels of total (305 yuan/year), out-of-pocket (199 yuan/year), inpatient (230 yuan/year) and other (113 yuan/year) health care expenditures, with more pronounced impacts among females and those living in urban areas and Eastern China. These results are robust not only to alternative EP and health care expenditure measures but also to a series of estimation approaches that control for endogeneity. An additional structural equation modelling analysis of the underlying pathways further reveals that this EP-health care expenditure relationship is mediated by individual self-reported health as well as expenditures on food and other daily necessities. Combating EP is an effective way to improve people's health and reduce the burden on health care expenditures. Policymakers should also pay more attention to vulnerable groups such as women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Household energy is critical for sustainable development, but many rural and off-grid communities lack access. As global concerns about climate change prompt a re-evaluation of energy strategies, understanding rural household energy decisions becomes increasingly complex, particularly in remote areas without grid access. This study examines the energy decisions of households in the Upper Blinkwater community to uncover the primary drivers for their choice of energy amidst grid connections. Survey data from 53 households were analyzed using multivariate regression. The findings revealed significant economic vulnerability among the respondents, marked by high unemployment and limited resource access, with the majority of households relying on social grants. These households depend on multiple energy sources, with firewood usage significantly influenced by the availability of grants, total income, post-primary education, household size, and remittance income. The findings contradict the energy ladder hypothesis, indicating that despite economic improvements, a complete transition to modern fuels may not be possible as firewood remains a crucial energy source. These results highlight the complex interplay of economic, social, and cultural factors in household energy decisions and underscore the importance of enhancing infrastructure, providing economic incentives, and conducting educational campaigns to facilitate the transition to cleaner energy alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union’s primary goal is to attain climate neutrality by 2050, aiming for an economy with zero net greenhouse gas emissions. This objective is a core element of the European Green Deal and aligns seamlessly with the EU’s commitment to global climate action as articulated in the Paris Agreement. It is crucial to emphasize that the transition to sustainable energy carries significant risks for households experiencing energy poverty, particularly impacting underdeveloped regions and vulnerable social groups. Acknowledging this context is imperative to prevent further marginalization of the energy poor during a just transition. Effectively addressing energy poverty requires a combination of strategies and collaborative efforts at local, national, and global levels. The focus should be on renewable energy sources and decentralized solutions, such as home solar systems and mini-grids, providing a means to electrify remote and isolated areas without the need for extensive grid infrastructure. The central thesis of this paper posits that the energy transition may exacerbate the issue of energy poverty, particularly in post-mining regions. The study delves into various energy transition models, specifically examining Poland, Greece, and Bulgaria. To identify potentially vulnerable populations in these countries, the paper analyses data related to individuals at risk of poverty or social exclusion, as well as the long-term unemployment rate categorized by gender. Research indicates that potentially vulnerable customers are most likely to be identified in Bulgaria, where 32.1% of the population was at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2020, and the long-term unemployment rate was 2.3% in the same year. In Greece, 28.8% of the population faced the risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2020, with a long-term unemployment rate of 10.9%. The situation in Poland is relatively better, with 17.3% of the population at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2020 and a long-term unemployment rate of 0.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable energy projects can help societies reduce climate change's negative impacts. In the present paper, published studies regarding European community energy schemes (CESs) were analysed to investigate CESs' barriers and drivers towards including community members and, more specifically, vulnerable groups. This review followed the PRISMA guidelines to ensure transparency. Exclusion and inclusion criteria were defined to select the proper articles and books that were aligned with the scope of this review. A total of 143 publications from 2019 to February 2024 were considered and selected. Content analysis was used to outline the various definitions of energy poverty, vulnerable groups, and CESs as well as the different strategies and approaches followed by European countries to tackle energy poverty and increase public engagement in CESs. This research suggests that environmental citizenship is a concept that can bring individuals and society together to promote changes in energy-related behaviours. The outcome reveals factors that enhance community energy acceptance and social cohesion such as providing energy education or education for sustainability to community members, financial support, increased prosocial culture, and the participation of vulnerable groups in CESs. This can be achieved through various interventions to help community members, including vulnerable groups, understand sustainable energy behaviour and thus reduce energy poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]