Open access
THE LOCAL DIMENSION OF ENERGY TRANSITION – THE CASE OF THE KONIN SUBREGION
Tomasz HERUDZIŃSKI1
Publication language: Polish
scientific paper
Transformations No. 3(126)2025, Publication date: 30 September 2025
Keywords: energy transition, just transition, post-mining regions, local government, non-governmental organisations, cross-sectoral cooperation, public opinion
Abstract The article analyses the local dimension of energy transition with particular emphasis on the concept of just transition. The subject of the study is the Konin subregion located in Eastern Greater Poland, which was selected for analysis due to the fact that its representatives were among the first in Poland to declare the implementation of just transition. The energy transition is understood here not only as a technological and economic process, but above all as a complex socio-political process. The theoretical part uses sociological and political science perspectives, paying particular attention to the systemic approach and concepts relating to the role of public opinion in legitimising transformation processes. The empirical part is based on qualitative individual interviews conducted with entrepreneurs and experts from the Konin subregion. The results of the research indicate a high level of awareness of the inevitability of the energy transition and its importance for the future of the region, while at the same time perceiving it as both a source of threats and development opportunities. A key role in building public acceptance and alleviating tensions is attributed to regional institutions, in particular the Regional Development Agency in Konin. At the same time, respondents are critical of the centralised model of state energy policy and administrative barriers. The article points out that the Konin subregion can serve as an example of a just transition that can be emulated by representatives of similar post-mining regions facing the need for energy transition.
Katedra Socjologii, Instytut Nauk Socjologicznych i Pedagogiki, SGGW w Warszawie, Polska
ORCID: 0000-0002-4102-2957
E-mail: tomasz_herudzinski@sggw.edu.pl