Advancing the European energy transition based on environmental, economic and social justice

Energy transition has implications not only for economic growth and social welfare but also for the planet. It is therefore important to provide a framework of quantifying how this transition might affect these aspects from a triple perspective. In this regard, an in-depth and critical analysis of the available reports, policy frameworks and initiatives on energy transition, under the sustainable and circular perspectives, has been developed. This manuscript provides a “know-how” framework to assist in decision making and to assess the effectiveness, gaps and future actions to be developed for an effective energy transition. It presents a set of indicators to assess the sustainable and circular potential of emerging technologies and renewable energy production schemes, focusing on the environmental, social and economic pillars. It also highlights the policies and initiatives that should be implemented to facilitate this transition, as well as analyzing a comparison between European countries on how to improve energy renewability in those with low scores in the energy transition indexes. This study provides a critical analysis of the implications on energy transition over environmental, social and economic sustainability, as well as on circularity. It provides a preselection of the most appropriate indicators (both quantitative and qualitative) to effectively analyze the transition. The outcomes of this study can help stakeholders, citizens and policy makers on where to focus to improve efficiency, renewability and technology development for a sustainable and circular energy transition.