From a sociological perspective, the sub-project understands neighbourhood energy systems as relevant social places that create cohesion, can create social and political trust and form intersections of different social interests.

We assume that neighbourhood energy systems can stimulate socio-technical and socio-economic innovations and initiate social transformation at a local level.

On the one hand, the sub-project analyses the structure of existing, successful German energy cooperatives and, on the other hand, it deals with new possible forms of energy communities (including international comparisons).

To this end, extensive public and non-public data is collected and analysed semi-automatically in order to create the opportunity to learn from ‘best/good practices’. In addition, citizen workshops will be held to analyse changes in awareness and behaviour.

The provision of the flexibility required for a stable energy system can be stipulated unilaterally - in particular by legislators, regulatory authorities or grid operators - but it can also be regulated on a voluntary contractual basis.

The sub-project analyses the advantages and disadvantages of different mechanisms for providing flexibility, particularly from the perspective of a trustworthy energy system.