Paper/Speech Details of Conference Program for the 29th NISPAcee Annual Conference Program Overview Main Conference Theme Author(s) Ivana Katurić Urbanex Ltd. Zagreb Croatia Marinović Paola, Simov Sven, Mario Gregar Title Encouraging citizen participation in energy transition File Paper files are available only for conference participants, please login first. Presenter Ivana Katurić Abstract Energy transition is defined as a way toward transformation of the global energy sector from fossil-based to zero-carbon based. Key goal of transition is to reduce energy-related CO2 emissions and to mitigate the effects of climate change. One of the most important actors in energy transition are civil sector, NGOs and citizens. Citizen participation refers to the process of providing civil associations or individuals an opportunity to influence public decisions. Public participation can help in decreasing tension and conflict over public policy decisions. According to the new European Union (EU) 'Clean Energy for all Europeans' package, one of objectives is to strengthen the rights and ability of citizens to produce, sell, store and consume renewable energy. Engaging local community represent a key approach to success of energy transition. The aim of this paper is to discuss why citizen participation is crucial for energy transition focusing on the examples from Europe. Methodology used in this paper is based on in-depth analysis of relevant research in this topic, and examples from local communities implementing participation in energy transition. Throughout the paper, good examples from European countries which included citizen participation into achieving successful energy transition are mentioned. Increasing citizens’ awareness of energy transition, encouraging citizens to connect acting as one stakeholder and increasing implementation tools and mechanisms represent essential benefits for success of energy transition.
