Energy Transition and Behavioural Change in Rural Areas: The Role of Energy Cooperatives

[摘要] How can energy cooperatives contribute to energy transition in rural areas? In this study, Timo Kaphengst and Eike Velten examine the role of energy cooperatives for Sustainable Development, analyzing a case study in Northern Bavaria. The report is available for download.Knowledge Interest: The Role of Energy CooperativesThese are the three main topics of the study:the embedding of energy cooperatives in rural areas and their meaning for rural development and sustainable energy productiongovernance structures as well as strengths and weaknesses of energy cooperativesthe motivation of the persons involved, regarding their engagement for sustainable energy supplyTheoretical Background: The Transition Management ConceptThe study is based on the Transition Management Concept which assumes that long-term and complex societal transition can also be steered by political measures. Additionally, other approaches like practice theory and the diffusion of innovation theory have been included.Methodical Approach: The Case Study in BavariaBesides a literature analysis, a survey and expert interviews, an empirical case study has been carried out in Rhön-Grabfeld in Northern Bavary where there are several energy cooperatives. The results were compared and complemented by other case studies in Denmark and Spain.The study is available for Download [pdf, 3,4 MB, English].

[发布机构] Ecologic Institute

[学科分类] 生态和保护

[关键词] Behavioural economics;Post-industrialisation;Social development;Social innovation;Socio-ecological transition;Transition research;Europe;Bavaria