Shadows of energy insecurity: Unmasking the lived experiences of intersectional vulnerabilities in Hong Kong's urban landscape

Abstract

As we confront the urgent issue of energy insecurity, one significant gap in the literature is the intersectional dynamics of energy vulnerability in East Asia's warm urban environments. This study sheds light on the frequently neglected experiences of vulnerable groups in these areas, exploring how their varied and intersecting identities influence their challenges related to energy access. We combine the concepts of energy vulnerability and intersectionality to investigate the lived experiences of intersectional energy insecurity among at-risk populations in Hong Kong, a densely populated city with a warm climate. Utilising semi-structured interviews with key informants and individuals experiencing energy insecurity, our findings highlight crucial themes defining energy insecurity in Hong Kong: affordability, the relationship between the housing market, and how crowded living conditions affect household energy requirements. Additionally, overlapping vulnerabilities intensify energy unaffordability and inaccessibility, often excluding certain individuals from available support programmes. This study emphasises the need for tailored energy assistance programmes catering to the specific needs of older adults, refugees, and ethnic minorities. We encourage policymakers to embrace inclusive strategies considering diverse circumstances and interconnected vulnerabilities to effectively mitigate energy insecurity in Hong Kong and, potentially, other densely populated East Asian cities. This approach aims to enhance the understanding of energy insecurity, guiding future research and policy initiatives to promote equitable energy access.