Biography
James Angel is a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in the Department of Geography. His research explores the contested politics of urban energy transitions. He has a background in environmental and social justice activist initiatives, which he continues to participate in.
He completed his PhD at King's in 2019 exploring struggles for energy democracy in London and Barcelona. He has a MA in Environment, Politics and Globalisation from King's and a BA in Philosophy from the University of Cambridge.
Research
- Energy geography
- Urban geography
- Political ecology
- Social movements
James' research explores the contested politics of urban energy transitions. He is interested in the relationship between energy systems and social change.
Previously, James' research explored the nascent agenda of "energy democracy" and the ideas and practices of activists and municipalities seeking to democratise the energy system. His current Leverhulme Research Fellowship seeks to understand the social and political implications of smart grids.
Smart grids deploy new ICT technologies to balance electricity supply and demand – a task that is complicated by increasing quantities of "variable" renewable electricity generation. James seeks to analyse the ways in which smart grids reconfigure relationships between energy, capital and social reproduction.
Teaching
Postgraduate
- Society, Environment & Geography: The Nature of the Environment (5SSG2052)
- Understanding the Sustainable City (7SSG5179)
- Governing the Sustainable City (7SSG5180)
Further details
Research

King's Climate Research Hub
Studying climate change through the relationship between science, policy and culture, particularly in the developing world.
Status not set
Political Ecology, Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services
The Political Ecology, Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services (PEBES) group provides a collaborative focus for work on the social (re)production of nature, environmental conservation and resource management.
Status not set
Urban Futures research group
Examining urban futures through a conceptual, analytical and methodological lens that questions what cities are and how they work.
Status not setNews
SSPP celebrates impactful research across the faculty
The Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy recently held its first Impact Awards to recognise and celebrate activity that has had a positive impact on...

Research

King's Climate Research Hub
Studying climate change through the relationship between science, policy and culture, particularly in the developing world.
Status not set
Political Ecology, Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services
The Political Ecology, Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services (PEBES) group provides a collaborative focus for work on the social (re)production of nature, environmental conservation and resource management.
Status not set
Urban Futures research group
Examining urban futures through a conceptual, analytical and methodological lens that questions what cities are and how they work.
Status not setNews
SSPP celebrates impactful research across the faculty
The Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy recently held its first Impact Awards to recognise and celebrate activity that has had a positive impact on...
