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A Characterization of European Collective Action Initiatives and Their Role as Enablers of Citizens’ Participation in the Energy Transition

Author

Listed:
  • Veronica Lupi

    (GREEN Research Centre, Bocconi University, Via Röntgen 1, 20136 Milan, Italy)

  • Chiara Candelise

    (GREEN Research Centre, Bocconi University, Via Röntgen 1, 20136 Milan, Italy
    Imperial Centre for Energy Policy and Technology (ICEPT), South Kensington Campus, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK)

  • Merce Almuni Calull

    (VITO, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
    Energy Ville, Thor Park 8310, 3600 Genk, Belgium)

  • Sarah Delvaux

    (VITO, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
    Energy Ville, Thor Park 8310, 3600 Genk, Belgium
    SPIRAL Research Center, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium)

  • Pieter Valkering

    (VITO, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
    Energy Ville, Thor Park 8310, 3600 Genk, Belgium)

  • Wit Hubert

    (Institute of Sociology, Jagiellonian University, 30-962 Krakow, Poland)

  • Alessandro Sciullo

    (Department of Culture, Politics and Society, University of Turin, Lungo Dora Siena 100, 10124 Torino, Italy)

  • Nele Ivask

    (Tartu Regional Energy Agency (TREA), 51009 Tartu, Estonia)

  • Esther van der Waal

    (Integrated Research on Energy, Environment and Society, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands)

  • Izaskun Jimenez Iturriza

    (TECNALIA, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Mikeletegi Pasealekua 2, 20009 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain)

  • Daniele Paci

    (European Commission, Joint Research Centre (J.R.C.), 21027 Ispra, Italy)

  • Nives Della Valle

    (European Commission, Joint Research Centre (J.R.C.), 21027 Ispra, Italy)

  • Giorgos Koukoufikis

    (European Commission, Joint Research Centre (J.R.C.), 1755 LE Petten, The Netherlands)

  • Tessa Dunlop

    (European Commission, Joint Research Centre (J.R.C.), 21027 Ispra, Italy)

Abstract

This paper provides novel additional evidence on the characteristics of Collective Action Initiatives (CAIs), investigating their role within the European energy sector. It analyses and presents results of a survey administered in six European countries: the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Poland, Estonia, and Spain. CAIs are studied in light of four key dimensions, those being their creation dynamics, the way they are organized, financed, and the activities they undertake. The results presented are also interpreted to reflect on their role as drivers of social innovation (SI) within energy transition in Europe. The analysis shows that the contribution of CAIs to the energy transition has a much wider scope than the development of energy projects and provision of energy services. CAIs are intrinsically socially innovative models of implementation as characterised by a strong level of citizen involvement and participation. Moreover, they have a potential multi-level role in the energy transition, from the technological and social perspectives. Indeed, alongside traditional energy activities, our results show that CAIs are evolving and expanding towards socially innovative activities, raising awareness on environmental issues, promoting citizens’ mobilization, and fostering social inclusion.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:24:p:8452-:d:702615
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Radtke, Jörg & Bohn, Nino S., 2023. "Mind the gap: Community member perceptions of shortcomings in diversity and inclusivity of local energy projects in Germany," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).

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