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Scalability of Low Carbon Energy Communities in Spain: An Empiric Approach from the Renewed Commons Paradigm

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  • Ekhi Atutxa

    (Department of Finance and Economics, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain)

  • Imanol Zubero

    (Department of Sociology, University of the Basque Country, 48940 Leioa, Spain)

  • Iñigo Calvo-Sotomayor

    (Department of Strategy and Information Systems, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain)

Abstract

Through the implementation of low carbon-based energy systems and participatory modes of governance, there are countless collective initiatives progressing towards a sustainable and resilient energy model. Local alternatives necessarily have to be able to scale in order to address global challenges. From the renewed paradigm of the commons, this empirical research provides a precise picture of the present scalability of these (self) transformative initiatives in Spain. Based on the identification and qualitative analysis of 18 of them via semi-structured in-depth interviews, the article explores their upper and lower limits; the importance of power distribution and citizen participation; the relational dimension of the scale; the upscaling forms and the role of public institutions. On the basis of the results obtained, the article finally presents recommendations aimed at strengthening this scalability of the energy commons.

Suggested Citation

  • Ekhi Atutxa & Imanol Zubero & Iñigo Calvo-Sotomayor, 2020. "Scalability of Low Carbon Energy Communities in Spain: An Empiric Approach from the Renewed Commons Paradigm," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-23, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:19:p:5045-:d:419317
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Ekhi Atutxa & Iñigo Calvo-Sotomayor & Teresa Laespada, 2021. "The Employment Ecosystem of Bizkaia as an Emerging Common in the Face of the Impact of COVID-19," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-19, October.
    2. Veronica Lupi & Chiara Candelise & Merce Almuni Calull & Sarah Delvaux & Pieter Valkering & Wit Hubert & Alessandro Sciullo & Nele Ivask & Esther van der Waal & Izaskun Jimenez Iturriza & Daniele Paci, 2021. "A Characterization of European Collective Action Initiatives and Their Role as Enablers of Citizens’ Participation in the Energy Transition," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-17, December.
    3. Adam X. Hearn & Raul Castaño-Rosa, 2021. "Towards a Just Energy Transition, Barriers and Opportunities for Positive Energy District Creation in Spain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-18, August.

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