Innovation ecosystems for community-led energy (InnoEGE)

In Germany, over 2,000 citizen energy communities, with more than 500,000 members, are driving a decentralized energy transition. From tenant electricity to neighborhood heating and energy sharing, these models are diverse, but they all share a common goal: to actively engage as many people as possible in the energy transition process.

However, a community-led energy system requires more than just innovative ideas – it demands the integration of new technologies with social practices, collaborative knowledge-sharing, and innovative processes. This potential is being explored in the InnoEGE project, which investigates innovation ecosystems for community-based energy supply. The research focuses on the interplay of actors, technologies, institutions, and activities that collaboratively develop novel solutions for the energy sector.

The project investigates the structural, legal, technical, and cultural factors that support successful innovation processes and ensure their long-term viability. A key question is how community-based energy models can be designed to achieve both social and ecological objectives, such as participation, regional value creation, and energy independence.

The insights gained from this research will be shared through two interactive learning workshops, alongside practical tools and actionable recommendations. By doing so, the InnoEGE project aims to strengthen the long-term impact of community-driven energy solutions and expand their reach across Germany.

The project is part of CommunitE-Innovation – Nationwide community for citizen-based energy supply in regional innovation ecosystems, a DATIpilot initiative funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space and led by the Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW).