Green, innovative, and unfair: The case of unjust energy transitions and civic resistance and opposition in Portugal

Abstract

This study explores the intersection of degrowth and energy justice, investigating how decarbonisation goals and energy policy pathways may perpetuate continuous economic growth while exacerbating social justice issues, such as inequality, lack of distributive and procedural justice, and shared responsibility for environmental concerns. In Alentejo, Portugal, the construction of low-carbon infrastructure and large-scale renewable energy production facilities for industrial expansion has sparked the rise of new civic movements and local opposition. Using a sociology of expectations approach and qualitative thematic analysis, this study examines data gathered through participant observation and documentary analysis to understand the diverse expectations of the stakeholders involved. The findings reveal that the depletion of natural resources and cultural heritage in the region is closely linked to a lack of transparency and accountability from both governance structures and private companies. Additionally, this research highlights several implications for energy justice and degrowth and their interconnections. By emphasising these aspects, the paper illustrates how the technological transformation of natural landscapes is often supported by tokenistic participation processes that largely overlook the concerns of local communities.