The art and science of imagining energy futures

What energy future do we desire? What energy future is possible? Which values and artefacts (storylines, narratives, concepts, symbols, models, …) do we use to ‘imagine’ these futures? Imagining energy futures is a complex thought experiment in which one needs to consider not only economic strategies, environmental threats such as climate change and considerations of social justice, but also the impact of conflict and war. Scientists, politicians, activists and citizens may disagree on what energy future is needed and possible but, apparently, there is also no consensus on what future we desire. While anyone would reasonably say that energy should be produced in an environmentally friendly way and be affordable for all, different visions exist on how to get there.
The ECOSENS international workshop “The art and science of imagining energy futures” took these thoughts as a vantage point to engage in deeper thinking about ‘sustainability assessment’ and other formal approaches to future thinking in the context of energy governance. The idea is that unveiling what references we use to express what we desire, hope, fear and believe should be the first step in an assessment exercise credible for all involved stakeholders.
The presentation will reflect on the outcome of the workshop and suggest recommendations and other food for thought for anyone concerned with ‘the energy future we want’.