New Energy World™
New Energy World™ embraces the whole energy industry as it connects and converges to address the decarbonisation challenge. It covers progress being made across the industry, from the dynamics under way to reduce emissions in oil and gas, through improvements to the efficiency of energy conversion and use, to cutting-edge initiatives in renewable and low-carbon technologies.
Research update on… public perceptions and just transitions
22/10/2025
8 min read
Feature
Industrial decarbonisation is central to the UK’s strategy for achieving net zero and ensuring long-term environmental and economic sustainability. However, technological progress alone is not sufficient. Securing public trust and delivering a just transition – one that is inclusive, equitable and locally grounded – is essential, write Benjamin Sovacool, Professor of Energy Policy at the University of Sussex, and Anna Wilson, Director, Centre for Research and Development in Adult and Lifelong Learning, the University of Glasgow. Below is an edited and abridged synthesis of UK research on the topic commissioned by the UK Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC) over the last few years.
Despite the scale of planned industrial change, understanding of decarbonisation technologies is generally low, even among those working in affected sectors. Misconceptions and lack of exposure to local Cluster Plans contribute to scepticism and undermine trust in both industry and government.
Community responses are shaped by historical and contemporary experiences – ranging from distrust following past policies that resulted in de-industrialisation to concerns about fairness and environmental degradation. People want to see investment and regeneration, but only if it reflects their needs and identities.
A just transition must address social, environmental and economic concerns in a way that is responsive to place. Host communities often feel excluded from planning processes and are sceptical that benefits will be fairly distributed. Transparent and locally-specific communication of both benefits and potential negative impacts is required to build public trust and avoid perceived greenwashing.