The global Energiewende is an endeavour that requires global participation. For years, energy projects that are run or managed by citizens and/or communities/cooperatives have developed all around the world, very early in countries such as Germany and Costa Rica and more recently in countries such as Bangladesh. Citizen energy projects are important to include civil society in the Energiewende and to increase overall support. Public support for the energy transition is a crucial driver for governments to implement efficient energy transition policies and for businesses to invest and innovate in the renewable energy sector. Energy communities bear the potential to foster regional cooperation, not only nationally but also internationally and can be important drivers for regional development.

However, regulations vary between countries and energy communities are therefore confronted with differing obstacles and opportunities. The new European REDII regulation is the first supranational legislation on this issue and has the potential of facilitating the formation and work of energy communities.

This session seeks to explore different types of people energy projects and their role in regional energy policies and regional development. Furthermore, the state of policy support for these projects, opportunities and obstacles to their work will be assessed. It will also be examined whether these projects could become an international phenomenon.