Fostering Sustainable Energy Citizenship: An Empowerment Toolkit for Adult Learners and Educators

Adina Dumitru (), Manuel Peralbo Uzquiano, Luisa Losada Puente, Juan-Carlos Brenlla Blanco, Nuria Rebollo Quintela and María Pilar Vieiro Iglesias
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Adina Dumitru: Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of A Coruña, 15008 A Coruña, Spain
Manuel Peralbo Uzquiano: Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of A Coruña, 15008 A Coruña, Spain
Luisa Losada Puente: Department of Specific Didactics and Research and Diagnostic Methods in Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of A Coruña, 15008 A Coruña, Spain
Juan-Carlos Brenlla Blanco: Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of A Coruña, 15008 A Coruña, Spain
Nuria Rebollo Quintela: Department of Specific Didactics and Research and Diagnostic Methods in Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of A Coruña, 15008 A Coruña, Spain
María Pilar Vieiro Iglesias: Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of A Coruña, 15008 A Coruña, Spain

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-25

Abstract: Human energy production and consumption have significantly contributed to the environmental crisis, impacting human health, wellbeing, and social justice. In this context, the concept of energy citizenship has emerged, referring to civic engagement in fostering sustainable and democratic energy systems and transitions. Under the Horizon Europe project EnergyPROSPECTS (PROactive Strategies and Policies for Energy Citizenship Transformation), we investigated the conditions and dynamics that promote or hinder energy citizenship and empower citizens to contribute to sustainable energy transformations. Through 44 in-depth interviews and four deliberative workshops in four European case study regions with individuals and organizations engaged in different forms of energy citizenship, we identified key psychological and organizational factors driving citizen empowerment. These findings informed the development of an interactive empowerment toolkit, a digital learning resource designed to enhance energy citizenship literacy and skills. This toolkit, although primarily targeting adults interested in energy citizenship, is adaptable for students and educators at various levels, offering two tracks: one for beginners with no prior involvement in the exercise of energy citizenship, and another for those with experience in energy activism. We highlight the scientific basis of the toolkit, detailing its components and demonstrating its application in fostering energy citizenship empowerment. The tool aims to equip users with the skills and knowledge necessary to actively participate in sustainable energy transitions.

Keywords: civic engagement; energy citizenship; empowerment; interactive toolkit; digital tool (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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