A Europe-wide inventory of citizen-led energy action with data from 29 countries and over 10000 initiatives

Numerous case studies show that citizens engage in various ways in renewable and low carbon energy projects, thereby contributing to the sustainable energy transition. To date, however, a systematic and cross-country database on citizen-led initiatives and projects is lacking. By performing a major compilation and reviewing copious data sources from websites to official registries, we provide a Europe-wide inventory with over 10,000 initiatives and 16,000 production units in 29 countries, focusing on the past 20 years. Our data allow cross-country statistical analysis, supporting the elicitation of empirical insights capable of extending beyond the perspective of single case studies. Our data also align with ongoing efforts to implement two EU Directives that aim at strengthening the active role of citizens in the energy transition. While the focus of our data collection is on Europe, the data and methodology can contribute to the global analysis of citizen-led energy action.

Automated summary

Numerous case studies have shown that citizens play an important role in renewable and low carbon energy projects, yet no systematic and cross-country database on citizen-led initiatives and projects currently exists. By compiling and reviewing data from various sources, we have created a Europe-wide inventory of over 10,000 initiatives and 16,000 production units in 29 countries over the past 20 years. Our data enables cross-country statistical analysis and extends the knowledge beyond individual case studies. Furthermore, our data align with ongoing efforts to involve citizens in the energy transition, as advocated by EU Directives.