Speaker: Juliana Zhang from PSY, UiO.
Abstract:
This presentation will explore key drivers behind community-level renewable energy initiatives, drawing insights from two recent studies. The first, "Let's do it ourselves: Individual motivations for investing in renewables at community level," discusses the motivations for citizens to engage in local energy initiatives in two Dutch communities (Amesterdam Zuid, Thermobello) and two German communities (Jühnde and Freiamt). The second paper, "Trust, awareness, and independence: A socio-psychological analysis of citizen knowledge and participation in community energy systems," examines the impact of demographic, socio-economic, socio-institutional and environmental factors on citizens' willingness to participate in Community Energy Systems in the Netherlands. In addition to these theoretical insights, I will share my firsthand experience visiting the Ameland Energy Cooperative in the Netherlands, an inspiring example of how community-driven energy initiative can succeed in practice. Lastly, I will present preliminary findings from our ongoing interview study in Norway, which sheds light on local perspectives, motivations, and challenges related to participation in renewable energy initiatives.