Scalability of Low Carbon Energy Communities in Spain: An Empiric Approach from the Renewed Commons Paradigm

Ekhi Atutxa, Imanol Zubero and Iñigo Calvo-Sotomayor
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Ekhi Atutxa: Department of Finance and Economics, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain
Imanol Zubero: Department of Sociology, University of the Basque Country, 48940 Leioa, Spain
Iñigo Calvo-Sotomayor: Department of Strategy and Information Systems, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 19, 1-23

Abstract: Through the implementation of low carbon-based energy systems and participatory modes of governance, there are countless collective initiatives progressing towards a sustainable and resilient energy model. Local alternatives necessarily have to be able to scale in order to address global challenges. From the renewed paradigm of the commons, this empirical research provides a precise picture of the present scalability of these (self) transformative initiatives in Spain. Based on the identification and qualitative analysis of 18 of them via semi-structured in-depth interviews, the article explores their upper and lower limits; the importance of power distribution and citizen participation; the relational dimension of the scale; the upscaling forms and the role of public institutions. On the basis of the results obtained, the article finally presents recommendations aimed at strengthening this scalability of the energy commons.

Keywords: energy; sustainability; commons; scalability; community (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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