Online Tuesday 22nd November 3pm - 5pm (CET)

The participation of citizens in renewable energy infrastructure projects is an important mechanism to deliver on emission reduction targets. In a European context, the Renewable Energy Directive (2018) outlines the need for citizens and communities to participate in energy transitions. This includes financial participation and benefit.

Within the EU, how citizens and communities participate in the energy transition is not in any way prescriptive, with different approaches taken in different contexts. Consequently, the social benefits/advantages accrued by citizens through renewable energy and energy infrastructure developments- when present- can take many forms. With increasing pressures on security of supply and geopolitical tensions, structural changes in the ways that our energy systems are built, organized and function are more important than ever.  

What are the potential approaches to realizing socio-economic opportunity of public engagement in renewable energy infrastructure development, informed by best practice and in recognition of diverse local social, economic, and cultural contexts? Can we co-create possible solutions that advance and deepen a pan-European understanding?

This virtual CityLab event will investigate different European approaches to socio-economic opportunities related to European renewables and outline ways in which more equitable strategies can be developed, aligning with a just transition approach. Join us for an expert panel discussion and workshop to consider barriers to an equitable socio-economic approach and opportunities for moving forward where we will:

• Share critical reflections on socio-economic dimensions of energy infrastructure development in different European countries.

• Provide an opportunity to meet and network with people from policy, practice and research in this space.

• Initiate knowledge exchange and learning from each other’s contexts towards the potential for common approaches to the socio-economic opportunities of public engagement in renewable energy infrastructure development.

More information and registration via Eventbrite here.

This virtual meeting is jointly hosted by MaREI (Centre for Marine and Renewable Energy) at University College Cork and Drift for Transition at Erasmus University Rotterdam.