Energy geographies, interconnections, and embeddedness
Authors
Catherine Butler and Lucy McFadzean
Abstract
In this commentary, we make a case for the inclusive and magnetic nature of energy geographies as a strength of the subdiscipline and cast it not so much as peripheral but embedded within and across multiple other disciplines. We recognise that such embeddedness still raises challenges for energy geographers and extend Ptak et al.’s analysis by discussing two future agendas and routes to repositioning that we see as particularly relevant in the contemporary context. First, the potential for geographical concepts to become detached from or emptied out of their conceptual richness within wider energy research. Second, the enduring failure of critical geographical imaginaries to penetrate mainstream politics and practice within energy systems. We conclude by suggesting a way forward through conjunctural analysis and methods that confer not closure but routes to greater openness as key to gaining traction and contributing understanding that can be truly transformative.
Published date
19 December 2025
Notes
Published in Dialogues in Human Geography.