The reserach explores the relationship between social inequalities and the energy transition in the Barcelona metropolitan area. Thus, it analyzes to what extent the necessary process of improving energy efficiency and decarbonization can be associated not with a reduction but with an increase in inequalities. On the one hand, it is confirmed that the population with the lowest incomes resides in inefficient real estate parks and has a lower propensity than the average to take measures to improve the said situation. On the other hand, the more affluent areas have a greater propensity to implement self-generated electricity systems, as well as a greater presence of electric vehicles. Thus, to date, self-generation facilities tend to be located in a much higher proportion in high-middle-income areas with a dispersed urban configuration than in low-income areas. In a context in which the economic effort that households must make to meet their energy needs is not proportional to their income, this pattern in innovations could result in an increase in social inequalities in terms of access to energy_x000D_
The territorial concentration processes of both situations can come to consolidate social inequality and spatial segregation, which makes it necessary to adopt corrective policies.

Veronica Mejia, Joan Checa, Joan Lopez
Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona

 
ID Abstract: 217