Socio-ecological transformation through energy communities (SetENERGY)
SetENERGY explores how Socio-Ecological Energy Communities can strengthen the focus on social aspects in the energy transition by engaging a more diverse population. The project maps relevant cases, identifies and tests predictors for energy donation, engages energy‑poor households and stakeholders in co‑creation, and delivers findings and recommendations to energy communities, the broader public, and policy makers.
The research questions are:
What are the drivers and barriers for both donors and recipients to engage in Socio-Ecological Energy Communities?
To what extent can Socio-Ecological Energy Communities empower energy poor households in the energy transition and what are their limitations?
Which policy measures and practical aspects are needed to foster the implementation of Socio-Ecological Energy Communities in Austria?
A mixed‑method approach is applied, combining desk research and literature review, qualitative interviews with stakeholders from energy communities and related institutions, a survey with energy prosumers, a field experiment testing solutions to facilitate the expansion of SEECs, and Social Labs with members of SEECs, which function as a participatory co‑creation process rooted in action research.
Project Lead: Johannes Starkbaum (Institute for Advanced Studies Vienna, IHS)
Duration: Oktober 2025 – September 2027
Funding: Austrian Climate Research Programme (ACRP), 17th Call
Cooperation: University Graz and Eco Neuhauser GmbH