The contribution of European citizen‐led energy initiatives to sustainable development goals

Energy communities (ECs) are emerging as vital contributors to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, despite being unnoticed. This article is the first to comprehensively discuss and quantify European citizen‐led energy initiatives' contributions to SDGs 7 (ensure access to af...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sustainable development (Bradford, West Yorkshire, England) West Yorkshire, England), 2024-08, Vol.32 (4), p.3313-3328
Main Authors: Schwanitz, Valeria Jana, Paudler, Heather Arghandeh, Wierling, August
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Citizens
citizen‐led action
Clean energy
Communications technology
Cultural heritage
Cultural resources
Energy
energy communities
Energy development
Energy policy
Environmental impact
Green energy
Impact analysis
Information technology
Infrastructure
Innovations
Job creation
Objectives
Renewable energy
Resilience
Resource efficiency
SDG 11
SDG 7
SDG 9
SDGs
Sustainability
Sustainable development
Sustainable Development Agenda
Sustainable energy
Technological change
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Summary:Energy communities (ECs) are emerging as vital contributors to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, despite being unnoticed. This article is the first to comprehensively discuss and quantify European citizen‐led energy initiatives' contributions to SDGs 7 (ensure access to affordable and clean energy), 9 (fostering industry, innovation, and infrastructure), and 11 (promote sustainable cities and communities). With SDG7 at their core, these initiatives prioritize sustainable energy systems, aligning with environmental impact reduction, resource efficiency, and social resilience goals. They contribute to SDG9 in energy and ICT sectors through job creation and social and technological innovation. Promoting SDG11 via inclusive engagement, they reinforce democratic principles and preserve cultural heritage. They can leverage their expertise with policy support to aid SDG implementation and serve as a global exemplar, extending impact to SDGs 12 and 17. Our analysis underscores a disconnect between European support for ECs and broader sustainability agendas, hampering effective impact.
ISSN:0968-0802
1099-1719
DOI:10.1002/sd.2844