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Publications (10 of 24) Show all publications
Faber, H., Giolo, A., Kasperski, T., Kažukauskas, A., Marklund, J., Olsson, A., . . . Tarasova, E. (2025). Addressing the Energy Trilemma in the Baltic Sea Region and Eastern Europe. Baltic Worlds, 18(1), 119-122
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Addressing the Energy Trilemma in the Baltic Sea Region and Eastern Europe
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2025 (English)In: Baltic Worlds, ISSN 2000-2955, E-ISSN 2001-7308, Vol. 18, no 1, p. 119-122Article in journal, Meeting abstract (Other academic) Published
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Södertörns högskola, 2025
National Category
Environmental Studies in Social Sciences
Research subject
Baltic and East European studies; Baltic and East European studies; Baltic and East European studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-58008 (URN)2-s2.0-105012750964 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2025-09-01 Created: 2025-09-01 Last updated: 2026-03-19Bibliographically approved
Tarasova, E. (2025). Advancing Just Energy Transitions Through Recognition and Inclusion: Policy brief. Huddinge: Södertörns högskola
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Advancing Just Energy Transitions Through Recognition and Inclusion: Policy brief
2025 (English)Other, Policy document (Other (popular science, discussion, etc.))
Abstract [en]

This policy brief highlights the significance of addressing recognition and inclusion in just energy transitions, drawing on ananalysis of visions of a just transition in Poland and particularly in the Silesian Voivodeship. It emphasizes political and sociocultural dimensions of just transitions.

Place, publisher, year, pages
Huddinge: Södertörns högskola, 2025
National Category
Environmental Studies in Social Sciences
Research subject
EcoJust -Ecologically and Socially Just Sustainability Transformations; Baltic and East European studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-58363 (URN)
Funder
The Foundation for Baltic and East European Studies
Available from: 2025-10-30 Created: 2025-10-30 Last updated: 2025-11-03Bibliographically approved
Tarasova, E. (2025). Exploring intersectional energy justice based on the case of planned hard coal phase-out in the Silesian Voivodeship in Poland. Applied Energy, 396, Article ID 126237.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Exploring intersectional energy justice based on the case of planned hard coal phase-out in the Silesian Voivodeship in Poland
2025 (English)In: Applied Energy, ISSN 0306-2619, E-ISSN 1872-9118, Vol. 396, article id 126237Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Matters of justice have been increasingly recognized as important in low-carbon energy transitions. Energy justice research has acknowledged that energy transitions will have far-reaching consequences for workforces in carbon-intensive industries and also beyond this group. Although energy justice studies have started to take on board the concept of intersectionality, this field of research remains understudied. There is a need for explorations of how intersectionality can be conceptually integrated into the analytical framework of energy justice and for more empirical analyses that demonstrate how this can be done in practice. This paper attempts to address this gap by re-formulating the energy justice framework into an intersectional energy justice framework. It draws on the concepts of structural, political, and representational intersectionality to make the analysis of intersecting power relations in energy transitions more nuanced. This conceptual framework is applied to the empirical analysis of the planned hard coal phase-out in the Silesian Voivodeship in Poland. The results of 20 semistructured stakeholder interviews demonstrate that, while gender, age, and economic status as categories of difference are noted, groups and actors with intersecting identities receive little attention. It is argued that the interplay of discursive and political dimensions may reinforce intersecting inequalities.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2025
Keywords
Just transitions, Energy justice, Intersectionality, Coal phase-out, Poland
National Category
Environmental Studies in Social Sciences
Research subject
Baltic and East European studies; EcoJust -Ecologically and Socially Just Sustainability Transformations
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-57690 (URN)10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.126237 (DOI)001509126400004 ()2-s2.0-105007443104 (Scopus ID)
Funder
The Foundation for Baltic and East European Studies, 21-PD2-0004
Available from: 2025-06-27 Created: 2025-06-27 Last updated: 2025-11-24Bibliographically approved
Tarasova, E. (2025). Rethinking energy democracy with greater focus on social inclusion. Energy Research & Social Science, 125, Article ID 104088.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Rethinking energy democracy with greater focus on social inclusion
2025 (English)In: Energy Research & Social Science, ISSN 2214-6296, E-ISSN 2214-6326, Vol. 125, article id 104088Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The concept of energy democracy has become a prominent concept for analyzing political power shifts in the energy sector. While conceptualizations of energy democracy often incorporate ideas about social inclusion, inclusion is rarely defined and problematized in these conceptualizations. Limited discussion of what inclusion may mean in energy democracy literature can have a direct effect on how inclusion is operationalized in empirical investigations of energy democracy. The paper first argues that it is crucial to explicitly discuss what ideas of inclusion are embedded in conceptualizations of energy democracy. It then suggests that social inclusion can be operationalized as formal and internal inclusion in energy democracy research, following the theory of deliberative democracy developed by Iris Marion Young. It is also recognized that are other ways for conceptualizing inclusion in energy democracy. The case of empowerment of users in smart grids is discussed to illustrate the usefulness of the focus on two levels of inclusion in empirical studies of energy democracy.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2025
Keywords
Energy democracy, Inclusion, Smart grids, User empowerment
National Category
Political Science
Research subject
EcoJust -Ecologically and Socially Just Sustainability Transformations
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-57089 (URN)10.1016/j.erss.2025.104088 (DOI)001480474600001 ()2-s2.0-105003175533 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Swedish Energy Agency, 44341-1Göteborg Energi
Available from: 2025-05-06 Created: 2025-05-06 Last updated: 2025-11-24Bibliographically approved
Tarasova, E. (2024). Multiple just transitions?: A study of how a just transition is envisioned in Poland. Energy Policy, 194, Article ID 114322.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Multiple just transitions?: A study of how a just transition is envisioned in Poland
2024 (English)In: Energy Policy, ISSN 0301-4215, E-ISSN 1873-6777, Vol. 194, article id 114322Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

While research on just transitions is expanding fast, there is a need for more studies focusing on the politics of just transitions. As the realization of a just transition depends in practice on common visions and possibilities for building coalitions between stakeholders, it is important to focus on how a just transition is envisioned by diverse actors. This paper examines how just energy transitions are envisioned by public authorities, business sectors and civil society in Poland and specifically the Silesian region, how their visions conflict and align with each other, and with what consequences for those transitions. The analysis draws on semi-structured interviews and publicly available materials. Three visions are identified: a just transition as social justice for labor in the coal-mining industry and related business, as a just transformation of the region, and as an opportunity for a systemic change. The paper argues that similarities and differences between visions create both opportunities and challenges for a just transition.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2024
Keywords
Just transition, Justice, Energy transitions, Visions, Energy politics, Poland
National Category
Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified
Research subject
Baltic and East European studies; EcoJust -Ecologically and Socially Just Sustainability Transformations
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-54798 (URN)10.1016/j.enpol.2024.114322 (DOI)001312394500001 ()2-s2.0-85203126452 (Scopus ID)
Funder
The Foundation for Baltic and East European Studies, 21-PD2-0004
Available from: 2024-09-20 Created: 2024-09-20 Last updated: 2025-11-24Bibliographically approved
Tarasova, E. (2024). Rethinking justice as recognition in energy transitions and planned coal phase-out in Poland. Energy Research & Social Science, 112, Article ID 103507.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Rethinking justice as recognition in energy transitions and planned coal phase-out in Poland
2024 (English)In: Energy Research & Social Science, ISSN 2214-6296, E-ISSN 2214-6326, Vol. 112, article id 103507Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The implications of energy transitions extend beyond the often-discussed effects on jobs and retraining opportunities for workers in the carbon-intensive industries. This paper argues that the concept of justice as recognition has an untapped potential for exploring diverse types of injustices that have not received sufficient attention so far. This paper contributes to the critical discussion of the concept of recognition-based energy justice by considering recognition theory by Fraser, which has become an established approach in energy justice literature, and other recognition theories, which have already been discussed in environmental justice literature, in the context of energy transitions. Five conceptions of recognition are distinguished: the understanding of recognition as (a) equal standing without cultural domination, disrespect, and non-recognition; (b) deeper inclusion (inclusive narratives, rhetoric and greetings); (c) respect for identity and culture; (d) self-esteem; and (e) the absence of violence. The conceptual discussion is followed by an empirical analysis of recognition-based justice in the case of the planned coal phase-out in Poland. Building on semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and diverse texts, the analysis demonstrates that in the case of the planned coal phase-out in Poland, three aspects of recognition may be particularly relevant – non-recognition in energy transitions, the self-esteem of local communities, and respect for culture and identity. The paper then argues that a pluralist approach to studies of recognition in energy transitions based on awareness about socio-cultural contexts of studied cases is necessary.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2024
Keywords
Coal phase-out, Energy justice, Just transition, Recognition
National Category
Environmental Studies in Social Sciences
Research subject
Baltic and East European studies; Environmental Studies; EcoJust -Ecologically and Socially Just Sustainability Transformations
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-53745 (URN)10.1016/j.erss.2024.103507 (DOI)001251063100001 ()2-s2.0-85187993866 (Scopus ID)
Funder
The Foundation for Baltic and East European Studies, 21-PD2-0004
Available from: 2024-03-28 Created: 2024-03-28 Last updated: 2025-11-24Bibliographically approved
Tarasova, E. & Rohracher, H. (2023). Marginalising household users in smart grids. Technology in society, 72, Article ID 102185.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Marginalising household users in smart grids
2023 (English)In: Technology in society, ISSN 0160-791X, E-ISSN 1879-3274, Vol. 72, article id 102185Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Unless just and inclusive, transitions to low carbon-energy systems are unlikely to receive sufficient legitimacy and broad public support. While research on inequalities and injustices in energy transitions is growing, these issues remain less explored in the case of the digitalisation of the energy systems through smart grids and smart homes. This paper aims to synthetise our understandings of inequality, exclusion and vulnerability in energy transitions by systemically analysing different dimensions of marginalisation in the transition to a digitalised electricity infrastructure in Sweden. To synthetise understandings of marginalisation and exclusion, conceptualisations of these processes in different social science approaches to energy studies are reviewed. Moreover, an empirical analysis of interviews with a range of Swedish actors such as energy utilities, social housing developers or pensioner organisations is carried out and enriched by previous research on smart grid users. The empirical analysis demonstrates what specific forms that diverse categories of marginalisation, as already identified generally in different social science approaches to energy studies, may take in smart grids. We argue that marginalisation of household users in smart grids may take place along multiple dimensions, relating to matters of literacy, participation, infrastructure, and the economy. The analysis suggests that bundles of marginalisation aspects concerning household users in sustainable energy transitions should be recognised and addressed simultaneously. 

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2023
Keywords
Exclusion, Marginalisation, Smart grid, Sweden, Vulnerable consumers, Automation, Behavioral research, Intelligent buildings, Empirical analysis, Energy studies, Energy transitions, Low-carbon energy systems, Marginalization, Public support, Vulnerable consumer, Smart power grids, alternative energy, household energy, infrastructure, social exclusion
National Category
Energy Systems
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-50714 (URN)10.1016/j.techsoc.2022.102185 (DOI)000918882600001 ()2-s2.0-85145779697 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Swedish Energy Agency, 44341–1
Available from: 2023-01-23 Created: 2023-01-23 Last updated: 2025-10-07Bibliographically approved
Tarasova, E. & Wallsten, A. (2023). Stakeholder perspectives on neglected and vulnerable households in smart grids. Environmental Sociology, 9(3), 257-268
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Stakeholder perspectives on neglected and vulnerable households in smart grids
2023 (English)In: Environmental Sociology, ISSN 2325-1042, Vol. 9, no 3, p. 257-268Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Smart grid development is an area where the discussion about who can be negatively affected by low-carbon energy transitions has progressed. The research on vulnerable households in smart grids often focuses on how potentially vulnerable groups react to smart energy technologies. This paper contributes to the literature by highlighting how a broad range of actors in society think about neglected and vulnerable households in smart grids. The research question concerns how stakeholders frame potential inequalities, differentiations, and vulnerabilities in smart grids in Sweden. The frame analysis is carried out, building on interviews with national and local public authorities dealing with energy issues and consumer advice, actors involved in developing, testing, and using smart energy technologies as well as interest organizations representing diverse social groups. Three narratives are identified that frame potentially neglected households as consumers without economic benefits; as users without technological interests, competences, and access to technologies; and as households with intersecting vulnerabilities. It is argued that, since there could be different interpretations of inequalities in smart grids, the governance of smart grids, and specifically discussions of neglected/vulnerable households in smart grids, can benefit from the involvement of a broad coalition of actors. 

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Routledge, 2023
Keywords
digitalization, inequalities, Smart grids, vulnerability, vulnerable households
National Category
Environmental Sciences
Research subject
Environmental Studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-51426 (URN)10.1080/23251042.2023.2202452 (DOI)000970998100001 ()2-s2.0-85153520879 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Swedish Energy Agency, 44341-1
Note

Finansierat av Göteborg Energi Research Foundation.

Available from: 2023-05-08 Created: 2023-05-08 Last updated: 2025-10-07Bibliographically approved
Tarasova, E. & Rohracher, H. (2022). Democratizing energy through smart grids?: Discourses of empowerment vs practices of marginalization. In: Majia Nadesan; Martin Pasqualetti; Jennifer Keahey (Ed.), Energy Democracies for Sustainable futures: (pp. 311-316). Lodon: Academic Press
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Democratizing energy through smart grids?: Discourses of empowerment vs practices of marginalization
2022 (English)In: Energy Democracies for Sustainable futures / [ed] Majia Nadesan; Martin Pasqualetti; Jennifer Keahey, Lodon: Academic Press, 2022, p. 311-316Chapter in book (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

The empowerment of users, their active role in managing electricity use or as micro-producers, and the potential for self-sufficient local energy communities play an important role in the legitimization of smart grids and are highlighted in many policy documents. However, the extent to which energy system configurations associated with smart grids actually empower users and are socially inclusive is an open question. In this chapter, we briefly discuss the social inclusivity of smart grid roll-out in Sweden as an element of a democratic energy system and focus on how the interests and needs of some users may be disregarded and even “designed out” in the implementation process of smart grids.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Lodon: Academic Press, 2022
Keywords
Active users, Empowerment, Marginalization, Smart grid, Social inclusion
National Category
Energy Systems
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-50395 (URN)10.1016/B978-0-12-822796-1.00033-4 (DOI)2-s2.0-85143110647 (Scopus ID)9780128227961 (ISBN)9780128227978 (ISBN)
Available from: 2022-12-16 Created: 2022-12-16 Last updated: 2025-10-07Bibliographically approved
Svenonius, O. & Tarasova, E. (2021). “Now We Are Struggling at Least”: Change & Continuity of Surveillance in Post-Communist Societies from the Perspective of Data Protection Authorities. Surveillance & Society, 19(1), 53-68
Open this publication in new window or tab >>“Now We Are Struggling at Least”: Change & Continuity of Surveillance in Post-Communist Societies from the Perspective of Data Protection Authorities
2021 (English)In: Surveillance & Society, E-ISSN 1477-7487, Vol. 19, no 1, p. 53-68Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

This article presents the results of an interview study carried out with sixteen data-protection authorities in Central and Eastern Europe. The study focuses on the way that data protection authorities reason about the past. The theoretical argument advanced in the text is that data protection in a post-communist context bears a specific historical significance due to the recent experiences with the extensive, coercive state surveillance that was systematized under the communist regimes. The article focuses on the institutional role conceptions of data protection authorities-a theoretical concept that denotes perceptions of the role of an organization within the larger institutional environment. High-level officials from data protection authorities in sixteen countries were interviewed about change and continuity in surveillance. The results show that historical reflectivity is not a dominant feature of the leadership of contemporary data protection authorities and that different countries differ considerably. The respondents least able or willing to discuss the topics of change and continuity are in societies with recent high-level surveillance scandals, such as Bulgaria and North Macedonia.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
SURVEILLANCE STUDIES NETWORK, 2021
Keywords
Data Protection, State Surveillance, Communism, Change, Data-Protection Authorities, Regulation
National Category
Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-48431 (URN)10.24908/ss.v19i1.13477 (DOI)000653774700005 ()2-s2.0-85102989006 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2022-02-18 Created: 2022-02-18 Last updated: 2025-10-07Bibliographically approved
Projects
Just energy transitions for whom? Exploring the concept of recognition-based justice in the case of the coal phase-out in Poland [21-PD2-0004_OS]; Södertörn University; Publications
Tarasova, E. (2025). Exploring intersectional energy justice based on the case of planned hard coal phase-out in the Silesian Voivodeship in Poland. Applied Energy, 396, Article ID 126237. Tarasova, E. (2024). Multiple just transitions?: A study of how a just transition is envisioned in Poland. Energy Policy, 194, Article ID 114322. Tarasova, E. (2024). Rethinking justice as recognition in energy transitions and planned coal phase-out in Poland. Energy Research & Social Science, 112, Article ID 103507.
Organisations
Identifiers
ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0002-3095-0790

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