Integrating energy justice and economic realities through insights on energy expenditures, inequality, and renewable energy attitudes

Energy justice is a cornerstone of the European Union’s pursuit of climate neutrality by 2050, addressing both environmental and societal challenges. This research employs a representative survey to analyze household expenditures on electricity, natural gas, and heating, evaluating the extent of energy inequality and its implications for affordability and access across income groups. The study also explores public attitudes toward renewable energy, focusing on perceived benefits, barriers, and willingness to adopt these technologies. Although the findings center on Lithuania, they offer valuable insights for other valuable insights other EU countries by highlighting shared challenges and opportunities in addressing energy inequality and promoting renewable energy adoption. The results reveal a generally equitable distribution of energy costs but underscore significant economic constraints, as evidenced by widespread reluctance to pay premiums for renewable energy. The research underscores the importance of targeted policies to enhance the affordability of renewable energy, address systemic inequalities, and foster a fair and inclusive transition to a climate-neutral future. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of energy inequality and its intersection with climate objectives across diverse European contexts.