Opening the wormhole: Linkages between justice in energy transitions and energy systems modelling literature – implications for policy development

Sometimes academics from different disciplines feel like they are working on different planets that orbit stars lightyears apart. Justice in energy transitions (JET) and the energy modelling literatures are no exception. While both fields are working towards a common sustainable and equitable future, rarely do equity and justice considerations enter modelling studies, and vice versa, rarely do JET papers consider modelling and engineering analysis. This paper documents collaborative research conducted by JET and energy modelling researchers at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada. Through literature reviews and dialogue, we identified overlaps between JET and energy modelling and set an initial research agenda. By opening the wormhole connecting our fields, we hope to inspire more transdisciplinary research and inform future justice-oriented energy policy. We call on fellow JET and energy modelling researchers to join us in learning from one another and working towards a more sustainable and just future. We also call on policymakers to utilize transdisciplinary research to inform just energy futures.