Work

Making the invisible visible: a reflection method to uncover justice-related design choices in energy models with model developers and users

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Energy models play a central role in energy transition decisions yet are often treated as objective and value-neutral tools. Increasingly, scholars and practitioners argue that energy justice should be more explicitly linked to energy modelling, both because of its intrinsic importance and in response to contestation of top-down, techno-economic decision-making. Existing efforts largely focus on incorporating justice within model logic, for example through equity metrics or participatory modelling. However, these approaches themselves embed often-implicit assumptions about justice, including who is recognized as a stakeholder, whose knowledge is represented, and which interests are prioritized. Because such choices carry justice implications, it is essential that model developers and users engage reflexively with the modelling process. Yet, few concrete tools exist to support such reflection. This paper asks: How, and to what extent, does a reflection method help model developers and users identify assumptions and choices with potential justice implications? We develop and test a reflection method in two workshops with developers and users of two policyrelevant energy models in the Netherlands: Energy Transition Model and Hestia. Our findings show how structured reflection can surface justice-relevant assumptions across the modelling process. We propose a typology of six ways in which (in)justice can manifest in/via energy models: model scoping, normative assumptions, policy steering effects, errors, complexity, and potential misuse. We identify a persistent "responsibility gap" between modellers and users, whereby responsibility for justice consequences is continually shifted between those who design models and those who apply them. We conclude with implications for integrating reflexivity and justice awareness into energy modelling practice.

Source: Science and Engineering Ethics

DOI: 10.1007/s11948-026-00638-4

Authors: Aarthi Sundaram, Nynke van Uffelen, Yilin Huang, Igor Nikolic, Eefje Cuppen

Institutions: Delft University of Technology, Leiden University, Rathenau Instituut

Language: English

Topic: Sustainability and Climate Change Governance

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Reduced inequalities, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090