Journal Article

FZJ-2022-01691

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png On the Future(s) of Energy Communities in the German Energy Transition: A Derivation of Transformation Pathways

Broska, L. H. (Corresponding author)FZJ* ; Vögele, S.FZJ* ; Shamon, H.FZJ* ; Wittenberg, I.

2022
MDPI Basel

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/31741  doi:10.3390/su14063169

Abstract: Active participation of citizens in the sustainable energy transition—particularly in energycommunities—is explicitly desired by the European Union and considered vital for a successfultransformation of Europe’s energy system. Currently, energy communities, i.e., citizen-led groupsgenerating energy from renewable sources can be found across Europe, though current numbers aresmall. However, it is expected that the majority of EU households will be active in some form in thegeneration of energy by 2050. In order to understand how such a development could come about, andif desired, how it could be ensured, we developed and applied a quasi-dynamic model using the Cross-Impact Balance (CIB) approach and with it analyzed and assessed such a transition in detail. Data forthe CIB model was derived from case studies, interviews, three surveys including two discrete choiceexperiments, expert workshops, and complementary secondary data. A central consideration of themodel is a differentiated representation of the heterogeneity of actors in society and their interactions.Main results obtained from the application of the model are possible transformation pathways ofcitizen participation in the energy transition of Germany. A key finding was that if current trendscontinue, a citizen-driven energy transition based on energy communities will unlikely be successful.We conclude that several framework conditions must change simultaneously from the status quo sothat different social groups in society can be active in the generation of energy. These include changessuch as the abolition of hindering regulations and the expansion of financial support schemes witha focus on lower socioeconomic groups. Furthermore, only in a combination of conducive socialfactors such as neighborhood cohesion and conducive social influence, as well as favorable economicconditions, can energy communities become an important player in Germany’s future energy system.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Systemforschung und Technologische Entwicklung (IEK-STE)

Research Program(s):

1. 1112 - Societally Feasible Transformation Pathways (POF4-111) (POF4-111)
2. Ökonomie des Klimawandels - Verbundprojekt: Nachhaltige Transformation des Energiesystems durch gemeinschaftsbasierte Aktivitäten (REsCO) - Teilprojekt 1: Systemanalytische Bewertung (01LA1827A) (01LA1827A)
3. Open-Access-Publikationskosten Forschungszentrum Jülich (OAPKFZJ) (491111487) (491111487)

Appears in the scientific report 2022

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Database coverage:
; ; ; ; Article Processing Charges ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Agriculture, Biology and Environmental Sciences ; Current Contents - Social and Behavioral Sciences ; DOAJ Seal ; Essential Science Indicators ; Fees ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Social Sciences Citation Index ; Web of Science Core Collection

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