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TU-Clausthal Energy Research Centre of Lower Saxony

Innovation area II

Participation and collective action

The innovation area uses a transdisciplinary research approach to better understand the different logics of collective action in the energy system transformation; with the aim of developing evidence-based, standardized and structured approaches for collective action by science, business, politics and society for the transformation. When researching collective action, a key focus of the innovation area will be on cooperative approaches to social engagement.

Gemeinschaftlich übereinandergelegte Hände mit dem Logo der Forschungsplattform Soziale Dynamiken
© DisobeyArt - stock.adobe.com / EFZN

Sub-project II.1

Actor constellations for different forms of energy generation

The sub-project examines which constellations of actors are specifically suitable for which form of energy production.

It focuses on an in-depth analysis of the socio-spatial contexts, such as urban-rural differences, and their respective impact mechanisms.

In line with the transdisciplinary project design, an advisory board consisting of political representatives at the municipal, state and federal level will be set up for the project.

Researchers

Prof.in Dr.in Paula Bögel
University of Vechta

Sub-project II.2

Citizen participation in the municipal heating transition

The sub-project uses a transdisciplinary approach to analyze and address the scientific and practical gaps on stakeholder cooperation and specifically the expansion of the new role of citizens in the municipal heating transition.

The project is based on a set of comparative case studies of current best-practice examples from pioneering municipalities in the heating transition in Germany and other European countries. In line with the transdisciplinary project design, the results are continuously evaluated and put into practice.

Researchers

Prof.in Dr.in Paula Bögel
University of Vechta

Sub-project II.3

Role and identity change of citizens in energy projects

The sub-project analyzes the changes in the roles and identities of citizens in the context of stakeholder cooperations such as energy cooperatives or district energy systems (in cooperation with research platform 3).

In addition to identifying the underlying mechanisms of role change and the associated (identity and interest) conflicts, the project analyzes which measures can support successful identity development and evaluates these measures in practice.

Researchers

Prof.in Dr.in. Paula Bögel
University of Vechta