Thematic Scope

1. THE GLOBAL DIMENSION OF THE ENERGY SECTOR

This thematic stream explores the increasingly global character of energy systems, energy governance and energy transition. Contributions may address, but are not limited to:

• Global energy governance and international energy institutions
• Climate finance and financing the global energy transition
• The implementation of the Paris Agreement and international climate commitments
• Energy justice in the Global North and Global South
• Access to energy and energy poverty in developing economies
• Energy security in a changing geopolitical environment
• Critical minerals and strategic supply chains for clean energy technologies
• International investment in the energy sector
• Geopolitics of energy transition
• Comparative energy law and policy
• Cross-border energy infrastructure and regional energy integration
• International trade and energy markets
• Human rights and the global energy transition
• Resilience of energy systems in times of conflict and crisis
• Energy transition in Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia
• Legal and institutional frameworks supporting a just global energy transition

2. NUCLEAR ENERGY AND LONG-TERM ENERGY SECURITY

This thematic stream examines the growing role of nuclear energy in achieving climate neutrality, energy security and industrial competitiveness. Contributions may address, but are not limited to:

• The future of nuclear energy in Europe and worldwide
• Nuclear energy and decarbonisation strategies
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactor technologies
• Legal and regulatory frameworks for nuclear energy
• Licensing and permitting of nuclear facilities
• Financing nuclear projects and investment models
• Public acceptance and social dimensions of nuclear energy
• Radioactive waste management and decommissioning
• Nuclear energy and energy independence
• The role of nuclear energy in electricity market design
• Nuclear power and industrial policy
• International cooperation in the nuclear sector
• Hydrogen production and nuclear energy
• Nuclear energy in Central and Eastern Europe
• The role of nuclear technologies in ensuring long-term energy security

3. DIGITALISATION, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE FUTURE OF ENERGY

This thematic stream focuses on the digital transformation of the energy sector and the opportunities and challenges arising from emerging technologies. Contributions may address, but are not limited to:

• Artificial Intelligence in energy systems
• Digitalisation of energy infrastructure
• Smart grids and smart energy systems
• Cybersecurity and critical energy infrastructure protection
• Big data and advanced analytics in the energy sector
• Digital twins and predictive maintenance
• Energy data governance and regulation
• Digital platforms and energy services
• Demand-side management and digital consumers
• Digitalisation and energy efficiency
• Resilience of digital energy systems
• Blackouts, cyber incidents and crisis management
• Digital technologies and renewable energy integration
• Digital transformation of transmission and distribution networks
• Ethical and legal challenges of AI in the energy sector
• The role of emerging technologies in building a secure, resilient and just energy future

Cross-Cutting Topic

The Organising Committee particularly welcomes contributions examining the role of Energy Justice across all three thematic streams, including issues of fairness, inclusion, human rights, intergenerational responsibility and the equitable distribution of the benefits and burdens of the energy transition.

The thematic focus of the 4th International Academic Conference Energy Justice & Energy Transition is closely aligned with the strategic priorities of the University of Economics in Katowice and reflects the principles of its LEAD concept, which promotes Leadership, Excellence, Adaptability and Development in research, education and international cooperation. By addressing global energy challenges through interdisciplinary and international dialogue, the conference contributes to the University’s mission of generating knowledge that supports sustainable economic and social development, while strengthening its position as an active participant in international debates on energy transition, climate governance and energy justice.