Energy poverty (EP) is a complex and persistent scourge affecting well over 35 million Europeans, potentially reaching more than 100 million due to its multidimensionality. It is manifested by the inability to access adequate levels of energy services such as heating and cooling, resulting from low energy efficiency buildings, high energy prices, and low incomes. Working for its eradication, NOVA FCT team at the Energy Poverty Advisory Hub (EPAH) has conducted scientific research, technical work, and collaboration with expert partners to bring EP to the forefront and drive just energy transitions in Europe at a critical moment of climate and energy crisis, where energy systems’ deep transformation is a top priority.
The NOVA team at EPAH has conducted rigorous research and analysis on more than 30 EP indicators to improve diagnosis in the EU and at the national level for the 27 Member States and an additional 13 countries. These indicators and the respective analysis are displayed in a novel, user-friendly online dashboard to enhance awareness and knowledge among multiple agents and support policy development. The team also conducted a scientific review of about 50 regional EP indicators and data collection methods to draw valuable insights for local governments who aim to conduct EP diagnosis in their territory. Another key contribution by EPAH was the collection of worldwide examples of local-scale measures and projects to mitigate EP in 4 continents (Africa, Oceania, America, and Europe) in a unique global atlas with over 250 cases. The Atlas is continuously updated and a catalyser of change by spotlighting inspiring and innovative projects. These initiatives were analysed to identify 24 inspirational practices, e.g., buildings renovation, behavioural practices, and advice points to inform and guide stakeholders in their efforts to EP. Overall, EPAH online pages were visited over 95.000 times during the first half of 2023.
Various stakeholders have benefitted from the EPAH’s contributions, including the European Union, national and local governments, civil society organizations, and, most importantly, citizens and communities affected by EP. NOVA team has directly given inputs to developing European EP recommendations and several national/regional EP strategies (e.g., Portugal). They have also played a role in creating guidelines for diagnosing EP at the local level through collaboration with the Covenant of Mayors, a network of over 10.000 municipalities in Europe, and supporting step-by-step guiding handbooks. They have also actively partnered with local experts from academia and the third sector as antennas in their respective countries to provide support and guidance to 53 local projects tackling EP across the EU in more than 12 countries with collaborative efforts from 85 local authorities, civil society organizations, and other local stakeholders, and experts.
The impact achieved by EPAH is a direct result of the extensive research work performed by the NOVA team, which culminated in three valuable scientific reports downloaded over 1,500 times, educational materials and online tools (e.g. two online courses) that have been viewed, and used by over 6,000 persons to drive the aimed transformation – 1) increase awareness of EP; 2) improve knowledge of EP diagnosis and planning at multiple scales; 3) form stakeholder networks for increased cooperation; 4) promote community empowerment and literacy improvement; and 5) support of local governments and initiatives. Furthermore, the impact of EPAH extends from local to international levels, with collaboration with organizations and individuals from various countries, including the USA, Mexico, and New Zealand.
In a nutshell, the EPAH’s research initiatives and outputs have been playing an essential role in promoting EP on the energy policy landscape in the EU, moving from data to knowledge to action, fostering communities’ empowerment, sustainable energy practices, and EP reduction. Meaningfully, the work developed promotes social justice, quality of life, and environmental protection, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable energy future!
To fight energy poverty is not only a moral imperative; it is a strategic necessity for our collective future and a fundamental pillar of public policies aligned with energy transition and decarbonization. Furthermore, the journey to eradicate energy poverty should involve collaborative efforts from politicians, local entities, universities and research centers, private companies, and NGOs in order to create synergies and amplify the impact.
João Pedro Gouveia, 2023