On 2 February 2025, during Kulturfestivalen, the JUST PEPP project team hosted an interactive town hall event in Hällefors, Sweden, to engage citizens in discussions about achieving a just and inclusive energy transition. The event was led by researchers from Örebro University—Per Carlborg, Sophie-Marie Ertelt, and Peter Samuelsson—alongside representatives from BoAB and Region Örebro Län. They explored how Hällefors can navigate the energy transition while ensuring that energy solutions remain equitable for all.
A key highlight was the launch of the JUST PEPP survey, designed to capture residents’ experiences with their current living situations, energy costs, heating, and transport habits. The survey results will directly inform policy recommendations and guide pilot initiatives in Hällefors and beyond. To encourage participation, one lucky respondent won a gift card for the local supermarket.
The event also featured interactive workshops where participants reflected on their housing situations, energy use, and transport habits in the past, present, and envisioned a climate-neutral future in Hällefors. The gathering concluded with a musical performance by Frida Risberg and a traditional Swedish fika, providing space for further discussions.
More concretely, the event opened with Per Carlborg, Sophie-Marie Ertelt, and Peter Samuelsson discussing the concept of a climate-neutral city and energy positivity, focusing on how rising energy prices, costly transport and an old building stock affect daily life, well-being, and local welfare. Katarina Rönnbacka Nybäck and Thomas Hjelmqvist from BoAB followed with a presentation on the future of the town’s housing stock, addressing demolition, renewal, and the need for more sustainable housing solutions. Mats Brengdahl, energy and climate advisor from Region Örebro Län, followed this up with practical advice for future-proofing homes and energy efficiency tips.
The JUST PEPP project aims to empower disadvantaged population groups by investigating how Positive Energy Districts can be planned for, with, and by residents of disadvantaged urban areas. By engaging citizens directly, the project ensures that the energy transition is both inclusive and equitable.
The JUST PEPP project looks forward to continuing this important dialogue and working together towards a more inclusive and just energy transition.
