During the first days of July, Medellín hosted a dynamic and deeply reflective gathering of energy justice leaders, researchers, and practitioners from around the world during the Just Renewable Energy Thinking Camp. Co-convened by the JustRE Alliance and the University of Michigan, and led by renowned energy justice advocate Shalanda Baker, the Think Camp provided a space to explore one of the most urgent questions of our time: how do we ensure renewable energy transitions are truly just, equitable, and community-centered?
Over the course of three intensive days, participants from across geographies and disciplines shared case studies, mapped systemic injustices, and envisioned futures where energy is not only renewable, but also accessible, democratically governed, and rooted in care. The gathering emphasized the need to unlearn dominant energy paradigms that center on individual consumption and centralized control, in favor of community power and collective prosperity.
Participants from South Africa, Australia, Mexico, Argentina, Puerto Rico and the US contributed powerful insights grounded in lived experience and on-the-ground organizing. Participants engaged in deep conversations around critical themes: What must we let go of to build energy systems that do not replicate the injustices of the past? How do we equip communities without imposing external expertise? And how can energy become a shared resource rather than a commodity?
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A central thread throughout the camp was the importance of community self-determination and trust. Discussions highlighted that true energy justice requires shifting away from individual household-focused models and toward community-scale governance. Participants envisioned a future where communities generate, store, and share energy, meeting their needs and supporting others through networked systems. One exercise imagined a future where resilience stems from decentralized systems rooted in equity and mutual aid.
Working groups explored specific dimensions of the transition—from policy and finance to utility-scale systems and grassroots organizing. Each group identified milestones and guiding principles for a just energy future. One standout proposal was a global “Justice Gap Report,” modeled on the climate world’s emissions gap reports, which would track disparities in access, participation, and benefits within renewable energy development.
The event also raised important questions about structure and accountability moving forward. Should this space evolve into a new network? How do we build on the energy created in Medellín without duplicating efforts or draining capacity? Suggestions included the formation of a working group, drafting a foundational charter, and producing shared resources such as case studies, messaging tools, and metrics guides.
The JustRE Alliance, which centers Global South practice and focuses on large-scale renewable projects, sees this Think Camp as a steppingstone toward greater collaboration. As conversations continue, the Alliance remains committed to fostering learning, trust, and collective action across borders.
In the words of one participant: “We’re here to make sure that wherever and however energy is developed, it uplifts people and protects our future.” With this momentum, the seeds planted in Medellín will continue to grow.
