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Statistical evidence for the contribution of citizen-led initiatives and projects to the energy transition in Europe

Author

Listed:
  • Valeria Jana Schwanitz

    (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences)

  • August Wierling

    (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences)

  • Heather Arghandeh Paudler

    (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences)

  • Constantin von Beck

    (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences)

  • Simon Dufner

    (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences)

  • Ingrid Knutsdotter Koren

    (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences)

  • Tobias Kraudzun

    (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences)

  • Timothy Marcroft

    (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences)

  • Lukas Mueller

    (TU Darmstadt - Technische Universität Darmstadt - Technical University of Darmstadt, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences)

  • Jan Pedro Zeiss

    (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences)

Abstract

Statistical accounting of the impacts of citizen-led energy initiatives is absent, despite their impact on increased energy self-sufficiency and ramping up of renewable energies, local sustainable development, greater citizen engagement, diversification of activities, social innovation, and acceptance of transition measures. This paper quantifies the aggregate contributions of collective action in pursuit of the sustainable energy transition in Europe. We estimate the number of initiatives (10,540), projects (22,830), people involved (2,010,600), installed renewable capacities (7.2–9.9 GW), and investments made (6.2–11.3 billion EUR) for 30 European countries. Our aggregate estimates do not suggest that collective action will replace commercial enterprises and governmental action in the short or medium term without fundamental alterations to policy and market structures. However, we find strong evidence for the historical, emerging, and actual importance of citizen-led collective action to the European energy transition. Collective action in the energy transition is experimenting successfully with new business models in the energy sector. Continued decentralization of energy systems and more stringent decarbonization policies will increase the importance of these actors in the future.

Suggested Citation

  • Valeria Jana Schwanitz & August Wierling & Heather Arghandeh Paudler & Constantin von Beck & Simon Dufner & Ingrid Knutsdotter Koren & Tobias Kraudzun & Timothy Marcroft & Lukas Mueller & Jan Pedro Ze, 2023. "Statistical evidence for the contribution of citizen-led initiatives and projects to the energy transition in Europe," Post-Print hal-05124038, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05124038
    DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28504-4
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://uca.hal.science/hal-05124038v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. August Wierling & Valeria Jana Schwanitz & Jan Pedro Zeiß & Celine Bout & Chiara Candelise & Winston Gilcrease & Jay Sterling Gregg, 2018. "Statistical Evidence on the Role of Energy Cooperatives for the Energy Transition in European Countries," Post-Print hal-05125451, HAL.
    2. August Wierling & Valeria Jana Schwanitz & Jan Pedro Zeiß & Celine Bout & Chiara Candelise & Winston Gilcrease & Jay Sterling Gregg, 2018. "Statistical Evidence on the Role of Energy Cooperatives for the Energy Transition in European Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-25, September.
    3. Bauwens, Thomas & Schraven, Daan & Drewing, Emily & Radtke, Jörg & Holstenkamp, Lars & Gotchev, Boris & Yildiz, Özgür, 2022. "Conceptualizing community in energy systems: A systematic review of 183 definitions," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
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    1. Lukas Mueller & Timothy Peter Marcroft & Constantin von Beck & Jan Pedro Zeiss & Valeria Jana Schwanitz & August Wierling & Lars Holstenkamp, 2024. "“First come, first served" or “the more, the merrier"? Organizational dynamics of citizen-led solar initiatives and the presence of photovoltaic installations in Germany," Post-Print hal-05123966, HAL.

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