The Social and Spatial Dimensions of Energy Transitions. an Introduction to the Phase-out Conflict in Sardinia

Recently many sustainability scholars have highlighted the risks of energy transition policies in exacerbating existing social, economic and spatial inequalities. Observing the growing impact of climate change on environments and communities around the world, they also affirm the need of engaging communities for a just and equitable transition. This study, which develops research on sustainable transitions combining the community approach with the spatial analysis, illustrates the case of the Italian region of Sardinia. In this context the implementation of the energy transition politics has encountered strong dissent from local communities. This conflict, which has led to the emergence of numerous organizations and protest movements, has its roots in the lack of active involvement of the communities in the phase-out planning processes. The mobilization can also be traced back to the use of land and soils for renewable installation without clear benefits for the communities and the territory itself. The author, integrating these two research approaches, aims to shed light on different perceptions of the land and the meanings attributed to it by the communities, along with assessments on multiple scales where different actors' perspectives of use, space visions and interests may diverge or openly conflict. Furthermore, the analysis proposes a broader reflection on transition governance, taking into account the multiplicity of actors involved in the process. In advancing the literature on conflicts related to sustainable transitions, this study also proposes to seek forms of dialogue and participation in order to avoid the polarisation of stakeholder positions and the emergence of trade-offs situations, where the energy transition policies, planned for the future of societies are implemented without the engagement of local communities.