Leiden University Student Repository

Fresow, Sietske (2021)

The energy transition in the Netherlands and its implications for low-income households

Bachelor thesis | Urban Studies (BA)

In the year 2050 two-thirds of the world’s population will reside in cities. This part of the population will by then experience extreme rainfall, flooding, high temperatures and some will have trouble accessing drinking water. These unsafe living conditions are the effect of global warming. To prevent these environmental conditions action to tackle climate change has to be taken, cities throughout the world have to make adjustments by changing their use of the city. In many cities, policies are made to stimulate the use of sustainable energy with the final goal of becoming climate neutral. The energy transition is however also worrying a part of the population as there are doubts about the affordability of the transition, who is going to pay the price? This thesis will use literary research and policy analysis to examine the current energy-related situation in the Netherlands and give an overview of the current policies. Furthermore, the affordability of retrofitting is examined...Show moreIn the year 2050 two-thirds of the world’s population will reside in cities. This part of the population will by then experience extreme rainfall, flooding, high temperatures and some will have trouble accessing drinking water. These unsafe living conditions are the effect of global warming. To prevent these environmental conditions action to tackle climate change has to be taken, cities throughout the world have to make adjustments by changing their use of the city. In many cities, policies are made to stimulate the use of sustainable energy with the final goal of becoming climate neutral. The energy transition is however also worrying a part of the population as there are doubts about the affordability of the transition, who is going to pay the price? This thesis will use literary research and policy analysis to examine the current energy-related situation in the Netherlands and give an overview of the current policies. Furthermore, the affordability of retrofitting is examined and communal retrofitting options like heat networks will be reviewed. Additionally, a comparison will be made with other countries. This thesis has the final aim to provide researchers and policymakers with a complete overview of the energy transition in the Netherlands.Show less

Energy transition – Retrofitting – Income – Policy – Inequality

Author

Fresow, Sietske

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Sustainability

Supervisors

Alistair Kefford

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en