The ENGAGE project is researching the potential of social innovations for the successful and inclusive implementation of the energy transition. The foundation for the activities for the remaining months of the project was laid at last week’s partner meeting.
The energy transition in Germany can only succeed if we work together – as demonstrated by countless participatory projects in Germany, from energy communities and energy consultancies to single citizen power plants. The ENGAGE project’s so-called Energiewende-O-Mat (www.engage.jetzt), released in June 2023, presents these projects and initiatives, and connects them to interested citizens. There you will find all the information needed about projects and organizations in your area, whether you want to volunteer or invest in the energy transition.
Anika Nicolaas Ponder, Head of the Climate and Innovation team, is proud of what has been achieved: “The Energiewende-O-Mat creates a basis for civic engagement and the broad participation of society in the expansion of renewable energies. In the coming months, we will continue to expand the project database and improve its user-friendliness. Even after the end of the official project term, we want to maintain the Energiewende-O-Mat and add further projects in the areas of mobility and heating.”
The project partners are currently working on the ENGAGE study about the potential of social innovations for an inclusive energy transition. Study director Dr. Kathleen Pauleweit confirms: “Private investment and citizen engagement are needed to accelerate the energy transition. In our study, we not only want to identify and highlight opportunities for participation, but also propose recommendations on how the framework for active civic participation in the energy transition can be improved. We already see a particular need for action in terms of participation offers – these need to be expanded and made more prominent!” The research results will then be presented at the ENGAGE final conference in September 2024.
Next year, two further innovation workshops will also be offered, focusing on civic engagement and the development of social innovations in the energy transition. A review of the first innovation workshop can be found on the ENGAGE website.
