Citizen participation in the electricity system: a reflection on energy democracy in Swedish energy communities

Λεπτομέρειες βιβλιογραφικής εγγραφής
Τίτλος: Citizen participation in the electricity system: a reflection on energy democracy in Swedish energy communities
Συγγραφείς: Palm, Jenny
Συνεισφορές: Lund University, University Specialised Centres, The International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics, Lunds universitet, Universitetets särskilda verksamheter, Internationella miljöinstitutet, Originator
Πηγή: Are Low-Carbon Futures Decentralised?. :134-144
Θεματικοί όροι: Social Sciences, Other Social Sciences, Science and Technology Studies, Samhällsvetenskap, Annan samhällsvetenskap, Teknik och samhälle
Περιγραφή: The European Union's climate strategy emphasises energy democracy, encouraging citizens to participate actively in energy production and consumption as part of the transition to climate neutrality by 2050. This chapter explores the role of energy communities (ECs) in advancing energy democracy, particularly within Sweden's centralised energy system. ECs offer citizens a pathway to collective ownership and participation, fostering energy literacy and empowering prosumers. Despite their potential, Swedish ECs show limited direct citizen engagement, with most members preferring financial investment over active roles. Municipal energy utilities (MEUs) often lead these ECs, providing essential resources but reducing direct citizen involvement. While MEUs may facilitate broader access to renewable energy, their role raises questions in relation to the role of direct versus indirect democratic energy governance. This analysis highlights the tension between the theoretical ideals of energy democracy and practical citizen engagement, suggesting that meaningful, balanced participation requires innovative models and support for both direct and representational involvement.
Βάση Δεδομένων: SwePub
Περιγραφή
DOI:10.4337/9781035355198.00018