The emergence and evolution of community energy planning in Canada: Introduction to a special issue

The push for decarbonization in Canada’s energy system is driving rapid social and technological innovation in the energy sector. Community energy planning is a rapidly evolving social movement and governance innovation that aims to minimize the impacts and maximize the benefits of these structural changes. This brief introduction to the special issue provides an overview of core principles, challenges, opportunities, and questions that surround community energy planning in Canada. Contributions to the special issue are summarized and situated in the context of this broader perspective. Issues for future research are identified.