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From Passive Consumers to Active Citizens: A Survey-Based Study of Prosumerism in Jerusalem

Author

Listed:
  • József Kádár

    (Haifa Center for German and European Studies, University of Haifa, Abba Khoushy Ave 199, Haifa 3498838, Israel
    Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, Kibbutz Ketura 8884000, Israel)

  • Martina Pilloni

    (Independent Researcher, 43001 Tarragona, Spain)

  • Marine Cornelis

    (Next Energy Consumer, Piedmont, 10121 Turin, Italy)

  • Lisa Bosman

    (Technology Leadership & Innovation, Purdue Polytechnic Institute, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA)

  • Juliana Victoria Zapata Riveros

    (ZHAW School of Engineering, Team Sustainable Energy Systems, Technoparkstrasse 2, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland)

  • Tareq Abu Hamed

    (Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, Kibbutz Ketura 8884000, Israel)

  • Maria Beatrice Andreucci

    (Department of Planning, Design, Technology of Architecture, Sapienza University of Rome, 00196 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Active citizen participation in both consumption and production is essential for a successful renewable energy transition. The paper explores the early development of prosumerism in Jerusalem, a city characterized by socio-political fragmentation and unequal access to infrastructure. Based on a 320-sample survey conducted in East and West Jerusalem, the paper analyzes awareness, motivation, and barriers to solar energy adoption in the city. The results show that only 12% of respondents currently produce and consume their own energy, while 66% had never heard of the term “prosumerism.” Financial savings were shown to be the primary driver of implementing solar systems, both in East and West Jerusalem. Key barriers included high installation costs, limited regulatory knowledge, and administrative complexity. Despite these obstacles, 70% of respondents expressed interest in community energy initiatives, highlighting significant potential for citizen-led models in fragmented urban contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • József Kádár & Martina Pilloni & Marine Cornelis & Lisa Bosman & Juliana Victoria Zapata Riveros & Tareq Abu Hamed & Maria Beatrice Andreucci, 2026. "From Passive Consumers to Active Citizens: A Survey-Based Study of Prosumerism in Jerusalem," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-25, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:1:p:481-:d:1832210
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