Inclusive DIALOGUES towards an operational concept of energy citizenship to support the Energy Union

Project Information

DIALOGUES

Grant agreement ID: 101022585

DOI

10.3030/101022585

Project closed

EC signature date 9 April 2021

Start date 1 May 2021

End date 30 April 2024

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Secure, clean and efficient energy

Total cost

€ 3 194 843,75

EU contribution

€ 2 997 156,25

Coordinated by

ENERGIEINSTITUT AN DER JOHANNES KEPLER UNIVERSITAT LINZ VEREIN
Austria

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - DIALOGUES (Inclusive DIALOGUES towards an operational concept of energy citizenship to support the Energy Union)

Reporting period: 2022-11-01 to 2024-04-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The goal of DIALOGUES was to support the objectives of the Energy Union through operational research on ‘energy citizenship,’ enabling citizens to play a central role in adopting low-carbon energy solutions and linking four strategic priorities: decarbonizing buildings, renewables uptake, energy storage, and sustainable mobility. To reach this goal, DIALOGUES aimed to operationalize, contextualize, measure, and support environments, policies, and institutions that foster deep, inclusive energy citizenship. This involved elaborating knowledge needed for targeted policymaking to strengthen energy citizenship as a contributor to the sustainable energy transition. Rather than focusing on specific behavioral changes or new technologies, the project recognized that transformative energy system changes must become embedded in daily decisions. Citizens evaluated trade-offs between competing goals and co-benefits, making it important for citizen-driven innovation, investment, lifestyle changes, and collective action to manifest in various contexts, from household to supra-national levels. DIALOGUES achieved these overall goals by achieving its nine key objectives:
• Developed an inter- and trans-disciplinary definition of ‘energy citizenship’ and DIALOGUES’ common research agenda.
• Co-created a functional indicator for the degree and mode of energy citizenship.
• Encompassed various strategic priorities and topical areas of citizen engagement under the unifying concept of energy citizenship, including mapping probable pathways and the life-cycle timing between modes of engagement.
• Analyzed if energy citizenship was more likely to emerge locally, or at regional, national, or supranational levels, and for what reasons.
• Compared the relative importance of internal social processes and external factors to energy citizenship.
• Explored the impact of digitalization on energy citizenship.
• Engaged citizens in co-creating the way towards deeper, inclusive energy citizenship.
• Made energy citizenship an understandable and useful concept for policymakers and central actors at all levels.
• Kept the focus on inclusive and energy-just concepts of energy citizenship, respecting the role of gender, socio-cultural norms/regulations, socio-economic status, geographic location, and group dynamics in shaping a person’s place in, and preferences for, the future energy system.
DIALOGUES developed a comprehensive, interdisciplinary definition of 'energy citizenship,' forming the foundation for the project's research. The project co-created functional indicators to measure energy citizenship across various strategic priorities and thematic areas. By analyzing different levels (local to supranational), DIALOGUES enhanced understanding of how collective and individual actions influence energy transitions. The project emphasized inclusivity and equity, integrating gender, socio-economic status, and geographical considerations, ensuring diverse perspectives and equitable participation in energy initiatives. It also explored digitalization's impact on energy citizenship using netnographic methods to study social media and digital tool influences on citizen engagement. Citizen Action Labs in eight countries provided innovative spaces for collaboration, promoting deeper and more inclusive energy citizenship practices. DIALOGUES bridged the gap between research and policy by developing practical tools and recommendations for policymakers. The project's interdisciplinary, inclusive approach, and focus on practical outcomes have empowered citizens, provided valuable insights, and enhanced the role of energy citizenship in the sustainable energy transition.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The DIALOGUES project supported the Energy Union's objectives by focusing on 'energy citizenship', enabling citizens to adopt low-carbon energy solutions and linking strategic priorities like decarbonization, renewable energy, energy storage, and sustainable mobility. The project aimed to operationalize, contextualize, measure, and support environments, policies, and institutions fostering deep, inclusive energy citizenship. Key work performed was:

- State-of-the-Art Mapping**: Conducted an extensive interdisciplinary literature review, resulting in the 'Integrated Research White Paper' and the 'Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Report on Energy Citizenship.'
- Energy Citizenship Assessment Tool (ECAT)**: Developed to assess energy citizenship across ten broad areas and sub-dimensions.
- Contextual Analysis**: Explored energy citizenship from legal, regulatory, political, and digital perspectives.
- Data Collection**: Curated relevant data and launched the DIALOGUES knowledge platform and survey tool.
- Stakeholder Engagement**: Conducted 80 in-depth interviews with policymakers and stakeholders to understand local citizen engagement in energy transitions.
- Tool Refinement and Testing**: Refined and tested the ECAT with 800 citizens, with data made available through the DIALOGUES Survey Explorer for interactive visualization and analysis.
- Citizen Action Labs (CALs)**: Established and operated CALs in eight countries, fostering collaborative innovation in energy citizenship.
- Focus on Inclusivity**: Continued emphasis on gender and diversity through dedicated literature reviews, internal webinars, and gender-sensitive outreach guidelines.
- Policy Alignment**: Regular discussions with the Policy Advisory Group ensured the alignment of project outcomes with policy needs.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The project developed a functional indicator of energy citizenship, co-created with citizens and stakeholders, allowing for its quantification across different contexts and demographics. Netnographic methods were used to analyze digital engagement with energy issues, providing insights into how social media influences citizen participation. Citizen Action Labs (CALs) were established in several countries, serving as collaborative spaces for citizens, academics, and stakeholders to co-create inclusive energy solutions, ensuring the involvement of underrepresented groups.

Results:
- Developed detailed policy recommendations and a decision-support tool for policymakers at national and European levels.
- Fostered greater citizen participation in energy-related decisions through CALs and digital tools, promoting collective action and community-driven initiatives.
- Translated findings into practical tools and guidelines for stakeholders, facilitating the implementation of inclusive energy practices.
- Contributed to the academic and policy discourse by publishing research findings, policy briefs, and guidelines on energy citizenship.
- Empowered citizens to actively participate in the energy transition, supporting local energy initiatives that create jobs, stimulate local economies, and reduce energy poverty.
- Addressed socio-economic inequalities and promoted social cohesion through an inclusive approach.
- Focused on inclusiveness and equity, addressing gender equality, social equity, and environmental justice, and involving diverse groups in the energy transition.
- Highlighted the importance of collective action and community engagement in achieving long-term sustainability goals, contributing to resilient and democratic energy systems.

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