Transforming the energy system: Why municipalities strive for energy self-sufficiency

Maximilian Engelken, Benedikt Römer, Marcus Drescher, Isabell Welpe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

66 Scopus citations

Abstract

Despite evidence that a rising number of municipalities in Germany are striving for energy self-sufficiency, there is little understanding of the driving factors behind this development. We investigate economic, ecological, social and energy system related factors that drive municipalities to strive for energy self-sufficiency with a focus on electricity supply. The empirical data for this study is based on insights generated through expert interviews (N =19) with mayors, energy experts and scientists as well as a quantitative study among mayors and energy officers (N =109) of German municipalities. Results show that environmental awareness, tax revenues and greater independence from private utilities are positively related to the mayors’ attitude towards the realization of energy self-sufficiency. Furthermore, citizens, the political environment, the mayor's political power, and his/her financial resources are relevant factors for a municipality striving for energy self-sufficiency. Policymakers need to decide whether or not to support mayors in this development. For suitable policy interventions, the results suggest the importance of an integrated approach that considers a combination of identified factors. Finally, we propose a morphological box to structure different aspects of energy self-sufficiency and categorize the present study.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)365-377
Number of pages13
JournalEnergy Policy
Volume98
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Nov 2016

Keywords

  • Energy self-sufficiency
  • Municipality
  • Regional development
  • Renewable energy
  • Theory of planned behavior

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Transforming the energy system: Why municipalities strive for energy self-sufficiency'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this