Regional energy futures as decision support in the transition to net zero emissions: North of Tyne case study

Futures studies can fulfil a variety of purposes; for informing policy, developing investment or business strategies, and changing perceptions what the future may hold. therefore be described as having transformative potential. This paper uses participatory scenario approach to develop regional energy futures U.K. case study in North Tyne region. Two sets are developed; pre-pandemic, during pandemic. was insights into challenges subnational scale futures, how thinking have been impacted by The scenarios based on discussions two facilitated stakeholder workshops, pre It found that pandemic had resulted shifts practices behaviours such increased home working, an appreciation local environments communities. However, there were commonalities too. In both settings, decarbonisation strong driver change system, need fairness transition. There barriers overcome, most notably presumption meeting net zero target certainty. presented difficulties imagining didn’t achieve this did so but more slowly. importance being able imagine living all kinds worlds will critical system undergoing profound strategic foresight is developed minimise risks missing target.