Determinants of citizens’ involvement in community energy initiatives

Abstract

Collective action has always been a powerful driving force for social change. Thus, by assigning new responsibilities to residents and local communities, community energy initiatives can contribute to the efficient generation and distribution of energy and promote climate goals. Against this background, the present work aims to provide a unified and synthesised overview of the current state of knowledge concerning the determinants of citizens’ involvement in community energy initiatives either through volunteering in specific activities, investing, or participating in managerial positions. The determinants of citizens’ involvement in community energy initiatives were classified into attitudinal factors (environmental concerns, energy-related motives, perceived innovation adoption), contextual factors (return of investment, social recognition, interpersonal trust, spatial factors, institutional framework, policies, benefits, and barriers), and personal capabilities (demographic and socioeconomic characteristics). The findings will facilitate decision-makers and policymakers to design successful and suitable support policies, promoting active involvement and community-level investment.

Keywords

• community energy initiatives
• participation
• investment
• motives
• barriers