From NOwnership to Ownership. How to Define and Promote Local and Inclusive Citizen Ownership in Renewable Energy Projects [Policy Brief]

Abstract

Citizen ownership has been associated with several benefits that can support a timely and just energy transition in the EU. However, it is important to understand that citizen ownership is very diverse and that different types of citizen ownership deliver different benefits. • Local opposition to new renewable energy projects is one of the major obstacles in the energy transition. This issue can be addressed through local and inclusive citizen ownership. • High costs is in many cases a major obstacle to the green transition process. In the case of natural monopolies, such as electricity distribution and district heating grids, this may be addressed through non-profit, local and inclusive citizen ownership. • Local and inclusive citizen ownership entails: (1) participatory local planning processes where citizens hold decision power and (2) a broad distribution of the project benefits between the local residents and other community members.