Energy transitions include more than the integration of new energy technologies and infrastructure—they also have direct impacts on the social, economic, and environmental concerns of a community. A community’s unique energy challenges, goals, and values—sometimes in competition with each other—can all influence its energy transition.

PNNL researchers are taking a synthetic approach to understanding energy transitions in different communities to support successful planning and implementation of clean energy technologies that meet the needs of individual communities. Investigating the human dimensions of energy transitions, PNNL researchers and their collaborators are co-producing knowledge and tools that will support coastal communities as they transition to more resilient, independent energy futures.