Step Change Policy Brief - CSI on energy communities in Germany

The Citizen Science Initiative - as part of the EU-funded Step Change Project - focused on the under-exploited potential of photovoltaic systems on multi-family buildings, mainly implemented through the so-called tenant electricity model. As multi-family buildings accommodate around half of the German housing stock, the involvement of tenants in the production of clean electricity is key to boost the urban energy transition .

The research within the Citizen Science Initiative on energy communities in Germany by Women Engage for a Common Future focused on an inclusive research approach by involving multiple actors such as citizen scientists, scientists, policymakers, and the private sector. In addition to the barriers and drivers for the tenant electricity model, the motivations of the citizen scientists to participate in the model were examined. Furthermore, the initiative examines behavioural changes of the citizen scientists (based on the energy culture concept) due to their involvement in local electricity production and consumption.