Development of an interdisciplinary conceptual framework to understand marine energy transitions in North Sea coastal communities

This perspective paper outlines a framework to reimagine and theorise marine energy transitions, defined as shifts from historic whaling to oil and gas, through to contemporary offshore renewables, to improve how we understand such transitions in the past, and how we might predict and manage their development for more sustainable futures for coastal communities. We advocate for an interdisciplinary place-based and relational approach to understand changes in marine energy transitions and how these complex changes have impacted coastal communities. We present an integrated interdisciplinary approach that looks at community connections with the marine environment addressing social, economic and environmental challenges. Whilst some marine transitions have been well studied, comparatively little attention has been given to marine energy transitions and therefore this paper proposes a new way of thinking. It will support researchers, policy-makers, and local stakeholders seeking a more holistic, people-centred approach to energy transitions. Crucially, we argue for more inclusive and interdisciplinary research that engages a wider range of community voices and perspectives alongside the interests of the state and capital. We suggest that such approaches can generate more nuanced and inclusive theories as planners and policy makers conceptualise how marine energies, their transitions, and their governance might be organised in our shared futures.