Involving Citizens in Heat Planning: A Participatory Process Design for Informed Decision-Making

Kathelijne Bouw (), Carina J. Wiekens, Casper Tigchelaar and André Faaij
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Kathelijne Bouw: Entrance–Centre of Expertise Energy, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Zernikelaan 17, 9747 AA Groningen, The Netherlands
Carina J. Wiekens: Entrance–Centre of Expertise Energy, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Zernikelaan 17, 9747 AA Groningen, The Netherlands
Casper Tigchelaar: TNO Energy Transition, 1043 NT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
André Faaij: ESRIG–Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 3, 1-36

Abstract: Participatory energy planning at the local level engages citizens, builds legitimacy and trust, and increases successful implementation of renewable energies. In the context of heat planning, technology choices highly vary depending on the local context and social conditions and including social input therefore benefits the planning process. This research adds to the current literature, which lacks concrete examples and verified approaches that clarify what the guiding principles of participatory energy planning are and how the opportunities and challenges can be dealt with. This paper elaborates on these opportunities and challenges and proposes a process design, using multiple tools (a survey, an Information-choice Questionnaire, and workshops) to collect the social input that is necessary to make technology choices in a participatory manner. The process design is applied and tested in a case study of a Dutch neighbourhood and lessons learned are drafted as a basis for further research.

Keywords: heat planning; citizen participation; informed decision-making; socio-technical integration; neighbourhoods (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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