From private to public governance: The case for reconfiguring energy systems as a commons

TL;DR

This paper advocates for reconfiguring energy systems as a commons-based Energy Internet to address sustainability issues, emphasizing a shift from private to public governance and highlighting potential challenges.

Contribution

It introduces a novel commons-oriented Energy Internet concept as a sustainable alternative to traditional energy systems.

Findings

Proposes a commons-based Energy Internet model.

Highlights potential benefits for sustainability.

Discusses implementation challenges.

Abstract

The discussions around the unsustainability of the dominant socio-economic structures have yet to produce solutions to address the escalating problems we face as a species. Such discussions, this paper argues, are hindered by the limited scope of the proposed solutions within a business-as-usual context as well as by the underlying technological rationale upon which these solutions are developed. In this paper, we conceptualize a radical sustainable alternative to the energy conundrum based on an emerging mode of production and a commons-based political economy. We propose a commons-oriented Energy Internet as a potential system for energy production and consumption, which may be better suited to tackle the current issues society faces. We conclude by referring to some of the challenges that the implementation of such a proposal would entail.