A closer look inside collaborative action: civic engagement and participation in community energy initiatives

Abstract

The aim of this study was to characterise factors affecting citizen participation in community energy initiatives. Data came from an online survey of participants in energy cooperatives and similar organisations. The results offer clear evidence that participants are not exclusively profit-orientated; furthermore, they tend to be well-educated, knowledgeable, enjoy a good income, and operate with a strong organisational commitment and dedication to the beneficial effects of energy initiatives. Surprisingly, these factors do not predict active engagement in the organisations. Attendance at meetings may be high, but participants expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in the operations of governing bodies. Although the majority of members in energy initiatives defined their organisations as democratic and showed awareness of their influence and power as individuals, members' aspirations and organisational realities diverged owing to obstacles that constrain these initiatives from realising their full potential as change agents for an environmentally responsible society.

Exploring the links between community-based governance and sustainable energy use: Quantitative evidence from Flanders

“…This contrasts with the general Flemish population, which is about 49% male. This gender imbalance is consistent with the results of other studies which show a majority of male participants to community-based initiatives in RE production (Fraune, 2015;Radtke, 2014).…”

“…The latter study also emphasizes interpersonal trust and environmental concern as additional driving factors to join CBE initiatives. Radtke (2014) examines the characteristics of a sample of members of CBE initiatives in Germany and shows that participants are not exclusively profit-orientated, tend to be well-educated and to enjoy a good income. Fraune (2015) also analyzes a sample of German CBE initiatives from a gender perspective and finds gender differences in terms of average ownership rates, amount of investment and leadership positions.…”

Exploring the Links between Community-Based Governance and Sustainable Energy Use: Quantitative Evidence from Flanders

“…The latter study also emphasizes interpersonal trust and environmental concern as additional driving factors to join CBE initiatives. Radtke (2014) (Hansmann, 1996). Unlike capitalist corporations, they are owned by their members/users rather than investors, at least when they supply energy.…”

Conflicts around Germany’sEnergiewende: Discourse patterns of citizens’ initiatives

“…The issue has engendered widespread research interest, especially with regard to the levels of citizen participation, protest and acceptance that have been experienced in Germany, and specifically with reference to issues of landscape change (among many others, Aas et al 2016;Bues, Gailing 2016;Krauss 2010;Leibenath, Otto 2014;Lennon, Scott 2015;Messinger-Zimmer, Zilles 2016;Pasqualetti 2001;Radtke 2014;Rygg 2012;Short 2002;Stremke 2010;Wolsink 2007), but articles devoted to the topic have tended to view power generation and transportation as independent issues rather than looking at their mutual impact. Nor has much attention been paid to the development of the social and political authority of some positions over others.…”