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Evaluating the Potential of MAMCA as a Framework for Stakeholder Engagement during the Setup of Energy Communities

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  • Shary Heuninckx

    (Mobilise Research Group, BUTO Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
    EVERGi—MOBI Research Group, ETEC Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium)

  • Cathy Macharis

    (Mobilise Research Group, BUTO Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium)

  • Geert te Boveldt

    (Mobilise Research Group, BUTO Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium)

  • Thierry Coosemans

    (EVERGi—MOBI Research Group, ETEC Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium)

Abstract

The current energy transition is characterized by a high level of consumer and prosumer involvement. Energy communities (ECs) are instruments that fit into this trend, as they organize the collective and mainly citizen-driven exchange of clean energy. Most stakeholder engagement research for ECs focuses on one aspect such as awareness raising or deployment acceptance. Hitherto, no specific research has been conducted on a participatory approach that can be applied throughout all the phases of an EC setup and for different purposes. In our study, we determine how the Multi-Actor Multi-Criteria analysis (MAMCA) methodology can be used as an engagement tool for this purpose. By linking potential engagement goals and their connected tools and techniques to the corresponding MAMCA step, we have created a multi-layered practical framework that can be used by all types of EC initiators for stakeholder engagement throughout the setup of a new EC. As this practical tool stimulates solutions that cater better to stakeholder needs, it can contribute to smoother deployment and an associated increase in ECs in the general system. A theoretical evaluation and a performed case study demonstrate the utility of the methodology that is developed in this paper.

Suggested Citation

  • Shary Heuninckx & Cathy Macharis & Geert te Boveldt & Thierry Coosemans, 2023. "Evaluating the Potential of MAMCA as a Framework for Stakeholder Engagement during the Setup of Energy Communities," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-21, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:10:p:3978-:d:1142537
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