Barriers and benefits of public participation in energy transitions: A meta-analysis of empirical evidence from Central Europe

Jörg Radtke

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2025, vol. 221, issue C

Abstract: Public participation plays a critical role in energy transitions by enhancing democratic legitimacy and procedural justice. This paper reviews 129 studies from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, focusing on the effectiveness of participatory processes in energy transition projects. Key participation formats included dialogues, information events, town hall meetings, working groups, and referenda, which were analyzed according to various dimensions such as procedural design, inclusiveness, and outcomes.

Keywords: Energy transition; Public participation; Energy democracy; Energy justice; Civic engagement; Procedural justice; Energy planning; Collaborative governance; Conflict resolution; Citizen involvement; Participation barriers; Democratic legitimacy; Community empowerment; Social acceptance; Stakeholder engagement (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:rensus:v:221:y:2025:i:c:s1364032125003661

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DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.115693

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