The history of energy transitions in UK coastal regions is a fascinating tale of boom-and-bust cycles that have shaped the environmental, social, and cultural landscape of these communities. From the use of whale oil for lighting in the 1800s to the production of oil and gas from the North Sea in the 1970s, these transitions have had profound impacts on the people living in these areas. However, most analyses of these transitions have focused on technical and economic criteria, neglecting the broader environmental, social, cultural, and institutional impacts.
Recognizing this gap in knowledge, academics led by Heriot-Watt University have embarked on a new project called TRANSECTS, which aims to examine the past energy transitions in coastal communities and their impacts on factors such as migration, employment, and health. This project is part of the Resilient Coastal Communities and Seas Programme, funded by UK Research and Innovation and the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The University of Aberdeen is collaborating with Heriot-Watt University, the University of Highlands and Islands, University of Strathclyde, and University of Hull, as well as industry partners and stakeholders, to study three case study areas: the east coast of Scotland, Humber in England, and the Orkney islands archipelago. The research will combine scientific data with testimony and archive material to provide a comprehensive understanding of the human side of energy transition.
In Aberdeen, the research will be led by a team of interdisciplinary experts, including Dr. Daria Shapovalova, Professor Tavis Potts, and Dr. Kate Gormley, who have extensive experience in place-based research, just transition, community participation, and stakeholder engagement. The team will draw on their expertise to develop a theory of change for community-oriented marine energy transitions, building on the knowledge gained from past transitions such as the shift from whale oil to petroleum.
Dr. Shapovalova emphasized the importance of understanding how coastal communities experience change and the need for a fair and inclusive transition to a low-carbon future. The project will not only contribute to academic research but also engage with industry, government, and community partners to ensure that the findings are relevant and impactful.
The consortium will kick off their research with an in-person meeting in Aberdeen in late August, setting the stage for future collaboration and case studies. This project represents a unique opportunity to delve into the complexities of energy transitions and their effects on coastal communities, ultimately aiming to boost the resilience of these regions in the face of ongoing changes in energy production.