Portland state university published in the journal of energy research and social science, according to a study of the use of renewable energy to replace oil and coal to get rid of fossil fuels, although can help reduce carbon emissions, but the price is increasing inequality and cause energy poverty.
researchers think renewable energy consumption may indirectly lead to energy poverty. Energy poverty is to point to in the face of rising energy prices, some low-income families can't normal use of all kinds of social comprehensive service, these services including house, heating, cooling, lighting and electrical appliances, etc.
the researchers explained, & other; A country such as in the United States, renewable energy to replace fossil fuel energy as a way of reducing carbon emissions, it is the price of increased inequality. This is because the shift towards renewable energy is implemented through tax subsidies and other incentives, this reduces installing solar panels or energy-efficient appliances homeowner's energy costs. But as the government make up the financial losses from the tax subsidies, will lead to the government to raise the price of fossil fuel energy. This means that those who don't use the new energy families and low-income families, rise in the cost of utilities, led to the financial pressure, caused the energy poverty and inequality. ”
“ In addition, in poorer countries, renewable energy sources are also used to relieve poverty. In southeast Asia and sub-saharan Africa's rural areas, a solar farm can bring agricultural region above the level of the history of electric energy. But the carbon dioxide emissions and does not have any effect, because the rural areas is a start, there is no use of fossil fuels. ”
the study suggest that policy makers consider can reduce inequality and reduce carbon emissions at the same time of policy, both to encourage the implementation of the renewable energy, also can protect the most vulnerable to the impact of energy poverty population.
upgrade rural power grids. To meet the needs of agricultural production and rural consumption, highlight key areas and weak links, and the implementation of a new round of rural power grid upgrading project, accelerate the process of urban and rural equal power services, promote rural energy consumption upgrade, improve the rural power supply capacity, enhance the level of rural electrification and strengthen rural safe safeguard.