Sprawiedliwie – co to znaczy? Transformacja energetyczna w Polsce na tle społeczno-przestrzennych konsekwencji nieukończonej elektrowni jądrowej „Żarnowiec”

Abstract

The energy transition process towards renewable and low-emission energy sources is becoming an increasingly prevailing issue discussed at both local and supra-local levels . It also includes the development of a nuclear power plant in Poland . Therefore, it is crucial to trace the consequences of an unfinished nuclear investment, known today as the ‘Żar-nowiec’ power plant . The effects of this failed investment are felt by the former residents of the areas occupied by the power plant infrastructure . The spatial and social issues of a just energy transition are considered in the case study of the history of the ‘Żarnowiec’ power plant and experiences of the displaced inhabitants . The main part of the research was based on qualitative analysis in the context of the grounded theory . The effects of the investment on the displaced locals were shown by tracing the unfinished power plant’s history, the researched area’s current state, and an extensive social analysis with inter-views . The study draws attention to the need to involve the local community in planning decisions . It also shows that opinions and expectations of local actors are of utmost importance in the just energy transition process because they are the ones who are directly and permanently affected by the investments undertaken or by the decisions to abandon them . The identified development challenges are consistent with the premises of a just energy transition – a concept that is clear in today’s EU policy .