PaDiSo Participation in digitalized energy systems: Investigating social innovation processes

The longstanding centralized fossil fuel energy system is increasingly losing importance. It is being replaced by an energy system characterized by decarbonization, decentralization, and digitalization. Where large-scale, centralized structures once dominated, a diverse range of actors are now active: prosumers, energy cooperatives, local electricity trading platforms, and actors from related sectors such as heat supply, communications, and mobility infrastructure. This transformation is accompanied by profound changes in the rules, social relationships, and organizational forms of energy supply.

In order to better understand transformation processes, the PaDiSo project focused on the analysis of social innovations. To illustrate the diversity of social innovations in the German energy transition landscape, numerous initiatives that develop such innovations were brought together in an interactive map. The initiatives are presented there in the form of short profiles that include objectives, a description of the innovation, the actors involved, and the respective type of innovation.

In addition, the institutional framework conditions and stakeholder constellations that influence the dissemination and implementation of social innovations in the energy system were analyzed, as were their interactions. The aim of the project was to identify strategies and potential that would enable actors in the energy system to successfully cope with existing and future adaptation requirements and to actively and creatively drive forward the energy transition.

In addition, the project team examined social innovations in their respective contexts of origin and dissemination, as well as against the backdrop of specific regional challenges, and prepared them for learning processes. On this basis, learning workshops and other learning formats were developed for municipalities to support municipal actors in testing new solutions, building networks, and strengthening their commitment to the energy transition. The project results were published in case study reports, in the booklet  “Shaping the regional energy transition”, and in a position paper, and discussed in various formats with stakeholders from civil society, politics, and the energy industry.

Another result of the project is the compilation of key questions on the path to energy sovereignty for municipalities. The collection of questions provides an overview of key issues that municipalities should address in discussions with renewable energy project developers in order to secure local value creation and achieve the greatest possible benefits for citizens and the municipality as a whole. In addition to the questions, the document also contains references to existing guidelines and further assistance.