Think Global Act Local: In search for ways to increase the engagement of local communities in energy transition

Abstract

The literature on cross-sector partnerships, in particular Local Action Groups, has delivered many insights on their multi-directional impact on local communities. However, there has not been any empirical research into their potential contribution to increase citizen engagement in energy transition. This paper seeks to partially fill this gap. It has been the author’s ambition to look at Local Action Groups and draw a preliminary picture of these partnerships as tools used to increase the engagement of local communities (households) in the European Union in the shift of local socio-economic systems towards low-carbon economy (in particular in more efficient, cleaner and smarter consumption of energy used for electricity, heating, cooling and cooking), as well as to formulate recommendations in this regard for the public energy policy and propose directions for further research. Survey-based exploratory research has been conducted, which collected responses from 427 Local Action Groups operating in the European Union and the United Kingdom, and has delivered insights that they generally have an appropriate potential to carry out activities aimed at increasing the involvement of local communities in the energy transition process and that local conditions are conducive to it. At the same time, it provided premises that Local Action Groups can become a driver for change that is necessary for energy transition.