Review of household energy consumption based on perspective of spatial justice

As the core entity of terminal energy consumption, households have evolved into a pivotal driving force behind the rapid escalation of global energy usage. Consequently, the formulation of precise and targeted household energy policies—aimed at propelling a transition that is safe, just, sustainable, and affordable—has emerged as a critical frontier in both domestic and international geographical research. In this context, the theory of spatial justice offers geographers a robust theoretical toolkit for dissecting the complexities of household energy consumption. This perspective emphasizes the necessity of micro-level investigations to uncover phenomena of marginalization in energy use, while simultaneously exploring how uneven geographical development, inherent in the process of spatial reproduction, impacts household energy access and consumption patterns. This article systematically reviews and synthesizes the latest advancements in energy justice research from both Chinese and international perspectives. It highlights that current geographical scholarship is increasingly focused on addressing the dual challenges of climate change and social equity within the energy transition. These initiatives necessitate a rigorous examination of the micro-level elements that lead to spatial deprivation and energy poverty, alongside a critique of their underlying structural mechanisms. Building upon this review, the study proposes that future research agendas should pivot towards a more granular focus on the spatial practices of diverse household energy consumption across varying temporal scales. It is insufficient to view energy consumption as a static metric; rather, it must be understood as a dynamic process. Future investigations must deeply analyze how these consumption practices are embedded within, and constrained by, place-specific institutional, economic, and social multi-layered network systems, particularly under the intensifying constraints of global climate change. This involves scrutinizing the diversification of energy patterns over time and understanding how local contexts shape the feasibility and fairness of energy transitions. By exploring these critical issues, this article aims to provide solid theoretical support for exploring pathways that achieve a dynamic balance between energy transition and social justice. The ultimate goal is to facilitate the construction of a climate-adaptive society and contribute meaningfully to the realization of “Dual Carbon” goals (carbon peaking and carbon neutrality). Furthermore, this study seeks to offer actionable models and enlightened insights for policymakers, ensuring that future energy strategies are not only adaptable and resilient but also fundamentally equitable, fostering a just transition for households across all strata of society. Ultimately, this study offers specific recommendations for future inquiry, urging the academic community to reflect on the holistic restructuring of energy systems and to rigorously address the spatiotemporal complexities of micro-level research subjects. It specifically advocates for the cultivation of a rational and contextually appropriate framework of justice, achieved through deepened dialogue between Chinese and Western scholarship, to systematically deconstruct energy inequalities and identify corresponding governance pathways.