Measuring governing capacity for the energy transition of Dutch municipalities

Municipalities play an important role in the Dutch energy transition. However, it is unclear whether they have enough governing capacity to fulfil this role and thus can formulate and implement new policies successfully. The aim of this study is to assess how the performance of local policy on energy transition can be improved by improving governing capacity. To do so, we conducted a survey, operationalised governing capacity, and assessed relationships between governing capacity and policy output. We found that governing capacity, its preconditions and energy transition policy output differ largely between Dutch municipalities. We found no direct relationship between governing capacity and energy transition policy output. However, we established relationships between preconditions of governing capacity and policy output. Around 25% of the variance in policy performance can be explained by population size. If differences in other preconditions, referring to motivation of the administrative staff, participation of citizens and businesses, and inter-municipal cooperation, are also taken into account, 55%–59% of the total variance can be explained. To accelerate the local energy transition we recommend to improve governing capacity and its preconditions by stimulating the motivation of the local administrative staff, strengthening the cooperation between municipalities and seeking the participation of citizens and businesses.