ABSTRACT
Integrating a feminist lens into the discourse and analysis of energy system transformations offers multiple possibilities for accelerating change. The energy democracy movement is consistent with a feminist, antiracist, and inclusive approach that promotes a vision of empowered individuals and communities. While male-dominant systems of power and privilege control many aspects of society, the energy sector, with its energy infrastructure systems, has been particularly homogeneous and hierarchical, and climate policy has been dominated by technocratic solutions proposed by men. A feminist exploration of energy system realities reveals the prevalence of patriarchal values, masculinized authoritarian leadership, and the dominance of an associated technocratic approach to innovation of energy systems. Embracing bell hooks’ definition of feminism as a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression, this chapter explores how women’s leadership in energy transformation movements integrates feminist principles and energy democracy principles. We consider how these social movements intersect to address critical questions of equity, inclusion, exclusion, and justice. Applying a feminist lens to energy democracy goals reveals alignment. Both feminism and energy democracy address oppressive gender dynamics, and both contribute to accelerating a transition to renewable energy systems.
