Mapping energy vulnerability in the Czech Republic: combined perspectives

KOĎOUSKOVÁ, Hedvika, Adriana ILAVSKÁ, Tereza STAŠÁKOVÁ, Dominik DAVID and Jan OSIČKA. Mapping energy vulnerability in the Czech Republic: combined perspectives. In ECPR General Conference, University of Innsbruck. 2022.

Basic information

• Original name: Mapping energy vulnerability in the Czech Republic: combined perspectives
• Name (in English): Mapping energy vulnerability in the Czech Republic: combined perspectives
• Authors: KOĎOUSKOVÁ, Hedvika, Adriana ILAVSKÁ, Tereza STAŠÁKOVÁ, Dominik DAVID and Jan OSIČKA.
• Edition: ECPR General Conference, University of Innsbruck, 2022.

Other information

• Type of outcome: Presentations at conferences
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• Keywords in English: Energy vulnerability; district heating; Czech Republic; index; municipalities; local perspectives
• Tags: International impact

Abstract

The rising focus of the EU on the heating sector as part of the low-carbon energy transition inspired debates about the social impacts of the intended district heating (DH) sector transformation in the Czech Republic. The operation of large DH systems may bring many benefits to society but entail many risks, including energy vulnerability and poverty. Intended DH transformation may aggravate the phenomena without considering all potential consequences. The most profound knowledge of the energy vulnerability in the Czech Republic is crucial for the sector's just transformation. The conference's contribution presented a two-phased sequential explanatory research design to achieve a deeper understanding of energy vulnerability in the Czech Republic. We used an "energy vulnerability index" to comprehend its socio-spatial distribution. We selected the most susceptible places for the subsequent local inquiry. On top of that, we used the local perspective to assess the validity and completeness of the index. The local level added several energy vulnerabilities from below and above, deriving from the past and being influenced by future uncertainties. The research pointed to the crucial role of time and space and holistic approaches in achieving a deep understanding.

Abstract (in English)

The rising focus of the EU on the heating sector as part of the low-carbon energy transition inspired debates about the social impacts of the intended district heating (DH) sector transformation in the Czech Republic. The operation of large DH systems may bring many benefits to society but entail many risks, including energy vulnerability and poverty. Intended DH transformation may aggravate the phenomena without considering all potential consequences. The most profound knowledge of the energy vulnerability in the Czech Republic is crucial for the sector's just transformation. The conference's contribution presented a two-phased sequential explanatory research design to achieve a deeper understanding of energy vulnerability in the Czech Republic. We used an "energy vulnerability index" to comprehend its socio-spatial distribution. We selected the most susceptible places for the subsequent local inquiry. On top of that, we used the local perspective to assess the validity and completeness of the index. The local level added several energy vulnerabilities from below and above, deriving from the past and being influenced by future uncertainties. The research pointed to the crucial role of time and space and holistic approaches in achieving a deep understanding.

Links

• TK03010086, research and development project: Name: Vývoj technicko-ekonomických scénářů pro transformaci českého teplárenství

Investor: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic