Our focus Energy Reimagine Purpose The Challenge The energy transition holds the potential to shape a more equitable world, but also to perpetuate and grow existing energy, economic and social inequities. Which will it be? Decarbonisation of the energy system needs to go beyond the technical solutions of substituting carbon-generating gigawatts with zero-emissions sources. A just energy transition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 requires a fundamental shift in governance, especially as the 775 million people who lack access to electricity remain the most vulnerable. This requires repatterning power dynamics, enabling citizens and communities to participate in decision-making process, and for the energy system to contribute towards more resilient societies and economies. If citizens and communities do not see the energy transition working for them, the transition will fall short of its full potential. We need to fundamentally change our understanding of the energy system’s purpose. Our Approach Forum for the Future is working with change actors to reimagine the purpose of the energy system, ensuring it reflects the needs of citizens and communities and best enables a transition to a future-fit system that delivers just and regenerative outcomes. Forum does this by helping energy actors to: Change mindsets on the purpose of the energy system, from one that is primarily designed to deliver gigawatts to one that builds wellbeing and resilience, in response to the planetary crises society faces today. Understand how energy governance must evolve to enable citizens and communities to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes, so that the outcomes work for all stakeholders. Design and institutionalise new business models that enable more equitable sharing of the benefits and costs of the energy transition. Examples of Our Work Together with partners on Our Zero Selby, a pilot under the Local Just Transition Challenge, Forum is demonstrating how citizens and communities can be placed at the heart of the transition to a net-zero economy, and how the benefits of the transition can be shared by everyone. This pilot is run by the local community in Selby, North Yorkshire to develop a community-led vision for Selby’s future, prioritise ideas for local action, and turn ideas into action. The pilot will develop a best practice approach that can be scaled to build momentum for the just transition across the UK. Get Involved Reach out to Annabel Johnstone to find out more about how you can collaborate together with Forum for the Future to reimagine the purpose of the energy system. Manage Cookie Preferences